Lenalid 15MG

Lenalid 15mg (Lenalidomide) is an anti-cancer drug used in patients suffering from blood cancer. However, Lenalid 15mg (Lenalidomide) is preferably indicated against Multiple Myeloma (MM). MM is a type of blood cancer wherein white blood cells (WBCs), become immature leading to overcrowded unhealthy cells.

Properties of Lenalidomide:

• Stops nourishment of cancerous cells, by hindering blood-flow to these cells (Anti-angiogenesis)
• Affects the process of division and multiplication of cancerous cells (Cell-proliferation)
• Determines the working of the immune system (Immunomodulatory effects)
• Alters the production of chemicals imperative for growth and survival of cancerous cells i.e. cytokines (Antineoplastic)
• Affects the genes responsible for carrying out processes like self-destruction (Apoptosis) and metabolism.

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

• Enhances response against MM
• Increases overall time to carry out the drug activities
• Improves overall survival of patients

Administration of Lenalid 15mg (Lenalidomide):

Lenalid 15mg (Lenalidomide) is given orally in a form of 25 mg dosage (1 tablet of 15 mg + 1 tablet of 10 mg) once daily. It 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 15mg (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 15mg (Lenalidomide) be avoided or used cautiously?

• 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 the patients had negative pregnancy tests (2) before taking lenalidomide, it is important to not have sex before and 4 weeks after treatment
• If patients get allergic reactions from drugs or skin rashes, dose and frequency should be adjusted

Side-effects of Lenalid 15mg (Lenalidomide) in MM patients:

Common ones:

• Nausea
• Pain in the back
• Cramps in the muscles
• Rashes on skin
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Others:

• 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)
• Infection in the upper respiratory tract