Lenalidomide

Conditions Treated

Lenalidomide is used to treat a certain type of myelodysplastic syndrome (a group of conditions in which the bone marrow produces blood cells that are misshapen and does not produce enough healthy blood cells). Lenalidomide is also used along with dexamethasone to treat people with multiple myeloma (a type of cancer of the bone marrow) who have already been treated with at least one other medication. Lenalidomide is in a class of medications called immunomodulatory agents. It works by helping the bone marrow to produce normal blood cells and by killing abnormal cells in the bone marrow.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Lenalidomide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• diarrhea
• constipation
• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• tiredness
• weakness
• dizziness
• headache
• change in ability to taste
• decreased sense of touch
• burning, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
• blurred vision
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• depression
• swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• joint, muscle, or back pain
• itching
• painful urination

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• pale skin
• shortness of breath
• fast or pounding heartbeat
• rash
• muscle cramps

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Lenalidomide comes as a capsule to take by mouth. When lenalidomide is used to treat myelodysplastic syndrome, it is usually taken with water once daily. When lenalidomide is used to treat multiple myeloma, it is usually taken with water once daily for 21 days and then is not taken for 7 days. This 28-day pattern may be repeated as recommended by your doctor. Take lenalidomide at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lenalidomide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole; do not break, chew, or open them. Your doctor may need to interrupt your treatment or reduce your dose if you experience certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with lenalidomide.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking lenalidomide, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lenalidomide, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in lenalidomide capsules. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention digoxin. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.