Lenalid 25 MG

Lenalid 25mg (Lenalidomide) is an anti-cancer drug used in patients suffering from disorders or cancers of the blood. Lenalid 25mg (Lenalidomide) is preferably indicated against Multiple Myeloma (MM).

Properties of Lenalidomide:

• It stops the growth of blood vessels that nourishes these cancerous cells (Anti-angiogenesis)
• It affects the process of division and multiplication of cancerous cells (Cell-proliferation)
• If triggers immune response thereby determining the working of the immune system (Immunomodulatory effects)
• It assists in altering the production of chemicals important for growth and survival of cancerous cells i.e. cytokines (Antineoplastic)
• It can affect the genes responsible for carrying out processes of self-destruction (Apoptosis) and metabolism.

MM is a type of blood cancer wherein white blood cells (WBCs), become immature leading to overcrowded unhealthy cells. These WBCs (plasma cells) assist in identifying and fighting against foreign particles (germs).

Lenalidomide is used in combination with dexamethasone. When used together, lenalidomide impart advantages such as,

• Enhances response against MM
• Increases overall time to proceed with their action
• Improves overall survival of patients

Administration of Lenalid 25mg (Lenalidomide):

Lenalid 25mg (Lenalidomide) is given orally in a form of 25 mg dosage once daily which is taken for 21 days in a 28-day dosage cycle in the morning or evening. Along with lenalidomide, 40 mg of dexamethasone is given on days 1 to 4, 9 to 12, and 17 to 20 in the same 28-day dosage cycle. Once swallowed, the lenalidomide is completely absorbed (bioavailable) within 6 hours of administration. Lenalidomide is further metabolized in the liver and distributed throughout the cancerous region. Once it completes its action, subsequently, more than 50% of the dose is expelled from the body within 3 to 5 hours predominantly in the form of urine (90%). In patients with kidney (renal) problems, approximately 40% of lenalidomide is excreted during a single dialysis session.

An initial dose of Lenalid 25mg (Lenalidomide) for renal impairment patients with MM:

As the drug is not readily excreted from the kidney, the initial dosage of lenalidomide needs to be adjusted in patients with moderate or severe problems in the kidney with MM. The adjustment is very crucial for appropriate drug exposure in such patients. The table below will show the initial dose of lenalidomide for patients in different stages of kidney problems with MM.

Table: Starting dose of Lenalidomide for renal impairment patients with MM

When should Lenalid 25mg (Lenalidomide) be avoided or used cautiously?

• If the patients had negative pregnancy tests (2) before taking lenalidomide, it is important to resist having sex before and 4 weeks after treatment
• If patients have any sort of bleeding complications (hematologic toxicity), dose reduction or adjustment is highly recommended
• If patients have risks of heart problems (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
• If patients are suffering from a condition where the cancerous cells are overkilled, spraying their contents in the blood (tumor lysis syndrome)
• If patients have a risk of liver and kidney disease
• If patients are lactose intolerant, the dose should be altered accordingly as lenalidomide contains lactose
• If patients get allergic reactions from drugs or skin rashes, dose and frequency should be adjusted.

Most common side-effects of Lenalid 25mg (Lenalidomide) in MM patients:

• Decrease in platelets (Thrombocytopenia)
• Fever with other signs of infection (Febrile neutropenia)
• Low levels of red blood cells (Anemia)
• Swelling caused due to unwanted gathering of fluids (peripheral edema)
• Increased temperature of the body (Pyrexia)
• Stomach problems like diarrhea, constipation
• Tiredness (Fatigue)
• Shortness of breath (Dyspnea)
• Muscle contractions (Tremors)
• Nausea
• Pain in the back
• Cramps in the muscles
• Rashes on skin
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Infection in the upper respiratory tract