It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you're prescribed a cancer drug. You'll probably have a lot of questions. "What is this drug? What will happen with it? Are there any side effects?" So today, let's talk about the drug you've been prescribed, Lenalidomide. Just as if a friend or family member were explaining it to you, let's understand everything simply.
Simply put, what is Lenalidomide?
Lenalidomide is a pill that is used to treat certain types of cancer that affect the blood and bone marrow . You may sometimes find it under the brand name Revlimid. This medicine works by slowing down the growth of cancer cells. This means it helps control the cancer.
Because this is a specific medicine for cancer, your doctor will prescribe it after carefully examining whether it is suitable for your condition.
Things you should definitely tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is extremely important that your doctor has a complete picture of your health . Because some medical conditions require special care when using this medication. So, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Situation to be reported | Description |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, this is the number one thing you need to know . This medicine is very harmful to the fetus. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to lenalidomide, thalidomide, or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Blood clotting problems | If you have had blood clots in your veins before or if someone in your family has a history of this. |
| Other medical conditions | If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, or lactose intolerance. |
| Smoking | If you are a smoker, tell your doctor. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of your medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Drink with water: Take this medicine with a glass of water.
- Swallow whole: Do not break, crush, or chew the capsule . Swallow whole.
- At the same time every day: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day as much as possible. This will help keep the levels of the medicine in your body consistent.
- Before or after meals: This can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Don't stop: Don't stop taking your medication unless your doctor tells you to.
Important: When you are prescribed this medicine, you will receive a special information leaflet (MedGuide) with it. Read it carefully each time you get your medicine. It contains very important information about this medicine.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
We all forget to take a dose from time to time. If that happens, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is more than 12 hours late, skip the missed dose altogether . Take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose .
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things you should be especially careful about when taking the medicine
While using this medicine, it is very important to pay close attention to changes in your body.
Regular medical checkups
Your doctor will tell you to see him regularly. He will also need to have regular blood tests to check if the medicine is working and if there are any side effects. Don't skip these tests, as they are very important for your safety.
Serious skin reactions
Some people may experience serious skin reactions a few weeks or months after starting this medication.
- If you have symptoms like a fever or cold, along with red or purple blisters on your skin ...
- If the skin starts to crack or peel after these blisters...
- If you have redness of the skin along with swelling of the face and lips , or a lumpy swelling in the neck and armpits...
...Call your doctor immediately.
What you absolutely need to know about pregnancy and birth control
This is the most important and serious warning about this drug. Lenalidomide can cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. This damage can occur even with a single dose.
For women:
- Before starting the medication, you need to take two negative pregnancy tests to make sure you are not pregnant.
- You should use two reliable forms of contraception at the same time while taking the pill and for 4 weeks after stopping the pill. Even if you are not sexually active, you should still get pregnancy tests as directed by your doctor.
- If your period is even a day late, you are unable to use birth control, or you have even the slightest suspicion that you are pregnant, stop taking the pill immediately and call your doctor .
- Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine and for 4 weeks after stopping.
For men:
- This medication can also affect sperm. Therefore, if your partner is of childbearing potential, it is essential to use a condom every time you have sex while taking the medication and for 4 weeks after stopping.
- If you suspect that your partner is pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
- Avoid donating sperm completely while taking the medication and for 4 weeks after stopping.
Avoid donating blood and semen.
You should completely avoid donating blood while taking this medicine and for 4 weeks after stopping it. This is because the blood you donate may contain traces of this medicine. If that blood is given to a pregnant woman, it can cause serious harm to the fetus.
Side effects that may occur due to this medicine
Like any medication, lenalidomide can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. The most important thing is to be aware of these and tell your doctor right away if you notice anything serious.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Blood clot | Leg pain, swelling or warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Heart attack | Tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, sweating, and fainting. |
| Stroke | Numbness or weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Unexplained bruising of the skin, bleeding gums, and nosebleeds. |
| Thyroid problems | Hyperthyroidism: Rapid heartbeat, weight loss, excessive sweating, tremors. Hypothyroidism: Excessive fatigue, inability to tolerate cold, constipation, weight gain, dry skin. |
| These side effects are usually not serious, but tell your doctor if they persist. | |
| Diarrhea | Going to the bathroom. Drink plenty of water. |
| Fatigue | Excessive fatigue in the body. |
| Headache and backache | Ask your doctor about a general pain reliever. |
| Nausea and cough | Taking the medicine with food may reduce nausea. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual or bothersome, talk to your doctor about it.
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children: Do not leave this medicine within the reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature: Store between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
- Discard after expiration: Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.
- How to remove:It is important to safely dispose of medication that you no longer need or that has expired. Ask your doctor or hospital clinic about the best way to do this.
Take-Home Message
- Lenalidomide is a powerful medicine for blood and bone marrow cancer. Use it exactly as your doctor prescribes.
- The biggest risk is severe birth defects during pregnancy. Therefore, both women and men must follow strict birth control methods while taking the pill and for 4 weeks after stopping.
- Avoid donating blood or sperm completely while taking the medicine.
- Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, and any medical conditions you may have.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as severe skin blistering, signs of a blood clot, or signs of a heart attack or stroke, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
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