Lenalidomide is an active substance of Revlimid. Lenalidomide multiple myeloma medicine belongs to a group of medicines which affect how your immune system works.
MM (Multiple myeloma) is a cancer which mainly affects a certain kind of white blood cell, called the plasma cell.
These plasma cells collect in the bone marrow and divide, becoming out of control. The disease has the potential to damage the bones and also kidneys.
The signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma can be easily reduced or disappear for a period of time. This is called a ‘response’.
Side effects of Lenalidomide:
Like all other medicines, Lenalidomide 25 mg also can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some side effects are as follows:
Decreases in your blood sugar levels, Weight loss, Constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, Chest pain or leg pain, Vomiting, Stomach pain, Fever, Chills, heartburn, Shortness of breath, Blurred vision, Headache, Runny nose, Nosebleed, Dry skin, Depression, Mood change, Difficulty sleeping, Cough, A fall in blood pressure, A vague feeling of bodily discomfort, Feeling bad, Sore inflamed mouth, dry mouth and Dehydration.
How Lenalidomide works
Lenalidomide, a multiple myeloma medication works by affecting the body’s immune system and directly attacking the cancer. It works in a number of different ways:
- by stopping the cancer cells developing
- by stopping blood vessels growing in the cancer
- by quicken part of the immune system in order to attack the cancer cells.
How to take Lenalidomide:
Lenalidomide capsules must be given to you by healthcare professionals with experience in treating multiple myeloma, MDS, MCL or FL.
- When lenalidomide is used for multiple myeloma in patients who cannot have a bone marrow transplant or have had other treatments before, it is taken with other medicines.
- When lenalidomide is used to treat multiple myeloma in patients who have had a bone marrow transplant or to treat patients with MDS or MCL, it is taken alone.
- When lenalidomide is used to treat follicular lymphoma, it is taken with another medicine called ‘rituximab’.
Multiple Myeloma Alternative Treatment:
There are several other FDA approved medications for alternative treatment. The elaboration is given as follows:
IMiDs (Immunomodulatory Drugs):
- Pomalyst (Pomalidomide): Pomalidomide 4mg is a newer IMiD that is similar to Revlimid but is more potent. It is FDA approved for use in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma and is being studied in other types of patients.
- Thalomid (Thalidomide): Older drug shown to be effective across the spectrum of myeloma disease. Peripheral neuropathy (nerve problems) is a common side effect and can be irreversible.
Proteasome Inhibitors:
- Kyprolis (Carfilzomib): Newer proteasome inhibitor given intravenously. FDA approved it for use alone and also in combination with Revlimid and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma and is being studied in other types of patients.
- Velcade (Bortezomib): Bortezomib used across the entire spectrum of myeloma disease. This medication should be given as intravenously or subcutaneously.
Chemotherapy:
- Doxil (doxorubicin HCl liposome injection): This multiple myeloma chemo drug given intravenously in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma,
usually in combination with Velcade. Side effects include mouth sores, swelling, blisters on the hands or feet, and possible heart problems. It is less frequently used.
