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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
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This information is about a drug called lenalidomide, which is also known as Revlimid®. It is used to treat people with myeloma| - a cancer of the plasma cell of the bone marrow.
Lenalidomide belongs to a new class of drugs called immunomodulatory drugs (IMiD™).
Lenalidomide affects the way the immune system works, although the exact way it works is not completely understood.
It also works by blocking the development of new blood vessels. Making blood vessels is called angiogenesis. Cancer cells need to make new blood vessels so they can grow and spread.
Lenalidomide is licensed to treat people who have already had at least one other type of treatment. It's given with a steroid| called dexamethasone.
Sometimes a chemotherapy drug called cyclophosphamide| is given with the lenalidomide and dexamethasone. This combination of drugs or regime is called CRD.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE|) currently gives advice on which new drugs or treatments should be available on the NHS in England and Wales. NICE has advised that lenalidomide is recommended as a possible treatment for people with multiple myeloma who have already had at least two other treatments.
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC|), advise on which new drugs should be available in the NHS in Scotland. The SMC has recommended that lenalidomide should be available as a treatment for myeloma in people who have had at least one previous treatment.
Lenalidomide may also be used as a treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia| (CLL). It's also being researched as a treatment for some other cancers.
We can give you more information on what to do if a treatment isn't available|.
Lenalidomide is available as 5mg, 10mg, 15mg and 25mg capsules. The capsules are swallowed whole with plenty of water once a day.
Each person's reaction to a cancer drug is different. Some people have very few side effects while others may experience more. The side effects described below won't affect everyone who has lenalidomide. We've outlined the most common side effects, but haven't included those that are rare and therefore unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects that aren't listed here, discuss them with your doctor or nurse.
Lenalidomide can reduce the number of white blood cells, which help to fight infection. White blood cells are produced by the bone marrow|. If your number of white blood cells is low, you will be more prone to infections|. A low white blood cell count is called neutropenia. Your number of white blood cells will usually return to normal before your next treatment is due.
You will have a blood test before having more treatment to check the number of white blood cells. Occasionally, your treatment may need to be delayed if your number of blood cells (blood count) is still low.
Lenalidomide can reduce production of platelets, which help the blood clot. Tell your doctor if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood spots or rashes on the skin.
If you have chest pain, suddenly feel short of breath or develop a painful swelling in your leg, this could be a sign of a blood clot. If you think you may have a blood clot, tell your doctor straight away. You may be given medication to thin your blood and help prevent any clots forming while you're taking lenalidomide.
Lenalidomide can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Your doctor can prescribe treatment to help reduce this.
Constipation| can usually be relieved by drinking plenty of fluids (2–3 litres a day), eating a high-fibre diet and taking gentle exercise. Sometimes you may need to take laxatives to stimulate your bowel. These can be prescribed by your doctor.
You may have difficulty sleeping or your sleep pattern may be affected.
You may feel tired| when taking lenalidomide. If you are sleepy, it's important not to drive or operate machinery. It may help to take the tablets in the evening.
This is generally mild and usually easy to control. Your doctor can prescribe anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea|.
It's important to let your doctor know straight away if you feel unwell or have any severe side effects, even if they're not mentioned above.
Because lenalidomide can potentially cause serious birth defects, it is very important not to become pregnant or father a child while taking this drug. Women will be asked to have a pregnancy test to check that they are not pregnant before treatment starts. They will also be advised to use a highly effective form of contraception, such as implanted or injected contraception, as well as a barrier method, such as a condom or cap.
Men taking lenalidomide are advised to use a condom during and for at least one week after treatment with lenalidomide, even if they have had a vasectomy.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including:
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If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.