Lenalidomide

This page gives simple and clear information about the medicine Lenalidomide. It explains:
  • What it is used for
  • How to take it (dose and timing)
  • How it works inside the body
  • Popular brand names with their strengths
  • Important warnings and possible side effects

    • Context and Approval Date

    Lenalidomide is a medicine mainly used to treat certain types of blood cancers, such as:
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
  • Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)
    • It is a modified version of thalidomide, designed to be safer and more effective.
    🗓️ Approval Date:
    Lenalidomide was first approved by the U.S. FDA on December 27, 2005, for treating myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
    Later, it was also approved for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma.

    How Lenalidomide Works (Mechanism of Action)

    Lenalidomide works in several ways to fight cancer:
    1. ✅ Boosts the Immune System:
    It activates certain white blood cells like T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which help the body recognize and kill cancer cells.
    2. 🛑 Stops Cancer Cell Growth:
    It blocks signals that help cancer cells grow and multiply. This slows down or stops their growth.
    3, 🧬 Prevents Blood Vessel Formation (Anti-angiogenesis):
    Tumors need new blood vessels to grow. Lenalidomide stops the formation of these blood vessels, cutting off the tumor's food supply.
    4. 🧹 Helps Remove Abnormal Cells:
    It encourages the body to destroy faulty or damaged cells, especially in diseases like myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

    All Substitutes

    View All
    Product Packaging Size Manufacturer Price
    Lenakast 10mg capsule 30 Capsules Aprazer Healthcare INR 2500
    Lenalid 10mg capsule 30 Capsules Natco Pharma INR 2900
    Celnalid 10mg capsule 10 Capsules Celon Laboratories INR 1100
    Neolimid 10mg capsule 10 Capsules Neon Laboratories INR 720
    Lynide 10mg capsule 10 Capsules Hetero Healthcare INR 1215
    Lenmid 10mg capsule 10 Capsules CIPLA Ltd INR 510
    Laviat 10mg Capsule 10 Capsules Zydus Cadila INR 1300
    Lenakast 25mg capsule 30 Capsules Aprazer Healthcare INR 3150
    Lenalid 25mg capsule 30 Capsules Natco Pharma INR 6500
    Celnalid 25mg capsule 10 Capsules Celon Laboratories INR 1650
    Lindoshil 25mg capsule 10 Capsules Shilpa Medicare INR 1530
    Lynide 25mg capsule 10 Capsules Hetero Healthcare INR 2000
    Lenmid 25mg capsule 10 Capsules CIPLA Ltd INR 2050
    Laviat 25mg Capsule 10 Capsules Zydus Cadila INR 2200

    Uses of Lenalidomide

    Lenalidomide Capsules is a medicine that helps control how your immune system works. It is used to treat certain blood cancers like multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome, which affect the bone marrow and blood cell production.

    Lenalidomide administration guidelines and available dosage options

    💊 Lenalidomide Administration Guidelines
    1. How to Take It:
  • Take Lenalidomide capsules by mouth (swallowed whole with water).
  • Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule.
  • It can be taken with or without food.
  • Take it at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor.

    • 2. Treatment Schedule:
  • Usually taken once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break (a 28-day cycle).
  • Your doctor may adjust the schedule based on your condition and lab results.

    • 3. Important Tips:
  • Always wash hands before and after handling the capsule.
  • Men and women must use effective birth control, as the drug can harm an unborn baby.
  • Never share this medicine with anyone, especially pregnant women.
  • Follow all safety instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist.

    • Available Dosage Options (Strengths)
  • 2.5 mg
  • 5 mg
  • 10 mg
  • 15 mg
  • 20 mg
  • 25 mg
    • Your doctor will decide the right strength for you based on your disease, body weight, blood counts, and response to treatment.

    Information about Lenalidomide

    Lenalidomide is used to treat blood cancer called multiple myeloma and skin problems caused by leprosy (lepra reaction).

    How Lenalidomide works

    Lenalidomide is a medicine used to treat cancer.
    It works in three main ways:
  • Boosts the immune system so it can help fight cancer cells.
  • Stops new blood vessels from forming inside the tumor, which cuts off the tumor’s food supply.
  • Blocks certain chemicals (called cytokines and growth factors) that help cancer cells grow.
    • This is how Lenalidomide helps slow down or stop the spread of cancer.

    Common side effects of Lenalidomide

    Headache, Nausea, Rash, Breathlessness, Dizziness, Fatigue, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Joint pain, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Itching, Diarrhea, Depression, High blood pressure, Low blood platelets, Lymphocytopenia, Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, Peripheral edema, Cough, Back pain, Upper respiratory tract infection, Urinary tract infection, Decreased appetite, Decreased potassium level in blood, Increased alanine aminotransferase, Increased aspartate aminotransferase, Discomfort when urinating, Palpitations, Leukemia (blood cancer), Decreased level of thyroid hormones, Bruise, Fall, Pneumonia, Increased glucose level in blood, Taste change, Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
  • You may need regular blood tests before and during treatment, because Lenalidomide can lower your white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. These are important for fighting infections, carrying oxygen, and helping your blood to clot.
  • Try to avoid activities that can cause cuts, bruises, or injuries. Also, stay away from people who have colds or other infections to protect yourself.
  • Lenalidomide can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. So, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing (like a hat or long sleeves) when going outside.
  • Lenalidomide may cause dehydration. So, drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated during the treatment.
  • Lenalidomide is not recommended for children and teenagers under 18 years of age.
  • You should use proper contraceptive methods at least 4 weeks before, during and until 4 weeks after stopping treatment.
  • Women who can become pregnant will need to take pregnancy tests before starting Lenalidomide and regularly during treatment.
  • Before any medical or dental treatment, emergency care, or surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Lenalidomide.
  • Lenalidomide may make you feel dizzy or sleepy. So, avoid driving or doing anything that needs focus until you know how the medicine affects you.
  • You may be at risk of developing acute myelogenous leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma tumor lysis syndrome, fatal liver problems, severe skin reactions, and fatal heart problems during treatment with Lenalidomide. You should discuss in advance the benefits and risks of taking this medicine.

    • FAQ - Lenalidomide

    1What class of medication is Lenalidomide Capsule?
    Lenalidomide Capsule belongs to a class of medicines called Immunomodulatory Agents (also known as IMiDs – Immunomodulatory Drugs).
    🔍 More Specifically:
  • It is a thalidomide derivative, but it is more effective and safer than thalidomide.
  • It has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects.
    • 2Is it safe to donate blood while taking Lenalidomide Capsule?
    No, it is not safe to donate blood while taking Lenalidomide Capsule.
    ❌ Why You Should Not Donate Blood:
    1. Risk to Pregnant Women:
  • Lenalidomide can cause serious birth defects if it is transferred to a pregnant woman through a blood transfusion.
    • 2. Drug May Stay in Your Blood:
  • Even small amounts of the drug in donated blood can be dangerous to others.
    • ✅ Important Safety Rule:
  • Do not donate blood during treatment with Lenalidomide.
  • Wait at least 7 days after your last dose before donating blood.
    • 3May I take Lenalidomide Capsule on an empty stomach?
    Yes, you can take Lenalidomide Capsule on an empty stomach — but it’s also safe to take it with food.
    ✅ How to Take It:
    With or without food:
  • Lenalidomide works the same whether your stomach is full or empty.
    • At the same time each day:
  • Take it at the same time daily to maintain a steady level in your body.
    • Swallow whole with water:
  • Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule.

    • ⚠️ Important Reminders:
  • If it causes stomach upset, try taking it after food.
  • Always follow the exact instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist.
    • 4What is the best time to take Lenalidomide Capsule?
    There is no strict “best” time to take Lenalidomide Capsule, but the ideal time is the same time each day, based on your routine and your doctor's advice.
    ✅ General Recommendation:
  • Take once daily, at a regular time — morning or night is okay.
  • Choose a time that you can remember easily every day (e.g., after brushing teeth, before bed, or after breakfast).
  • Take it with a full glass of water, with or without food.
    • 5Does Lenalidomide Capsule make you tired?
    Yes, Lenalidomide Capsule can make you feel tired or cause fatigue in some people.
    💤 Why it Happens:
  • It affects the bone marrow, which can lead to low red blood cell counts (anemia) — a common cause of tiredness.
  • It may also impact your immune system and energy levels, especially when used with other cancer medicines like dexamethasone.

    • ⚠️ Other Related Symptoms May Include:
  • Weakness or feeling low on energy
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath during physical activity (if anemia is present)

    • 📝 What You Can Do:
    1. Tell your doctor if the tiredness is severe or getting worse.
    2. Rest well, stay hydrated, and eat healthy foods.
    3. Your doctor may do blood tests to check for anemia or other causes.

    References

    1. Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma EEIG, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Nov 2020] [Accessed on 23 Nov 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10046.pdf
    2. Celgene Corporation, US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Jun 2013] [Accessed on 23 Nov 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021880s034lbl.pdf
    3. H.G. Watson, J.I.O. Craig, L.M. Manson, Blood disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 989-1056.