Version July 2025
Do not use lenalidomide during pregnancy. Lenalidomide, a thalidomide analogue, caused limb abnormalities in a developmental monkey study. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe, life-threatening human birth defects. If lenalidomide is used during pregnancy, it may cause birth defects or embryo-fetal death. In females of reproductive potential, obtain 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting lenalidomide treatment. Females of reproductive potential must use 2 forms of contraception or continuously abstain from heterosexual sex during and for 4 weeks after lenalidomide treatment. To avoid embryo-fetal exposure to lenalidomide, it is only available under a restricted distribution program called Lenalidomide REMS program.
Information about the Lenalidomide REMS program is available at http://www.lenalidomiderems.com or by calling the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436.
Lenalidomide can cause significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Eighty percent of patients with deletion 5q myelodysplastic syndromes had to have a dose delay/reduction during the major study. Thirty-four percent of patients had to have a second dose delay/reduction. Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity was seen in 80% of patients enrolled in the study. Patients on therapy for deletion 5q myelodysplastic syndromes should have their complete blood cell counts monitored weekly for the first 8 weeks of therapy and at least monthly thereafter. Patients may require dose interruption and/or reduction. Patients may require use of blood product support and/or growth factors.
Lenalidomide has demonstrated a significantly increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), as well as risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with multiple myeloma who were treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone therapy. Monitor for and advise patients about the signs and symptoms of thromboembolism. Advise patients to seek immediate medical care if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or arm or leg swelling. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended and the choice of regimen should be based on an assessment of the patient's underlying risks.
Dosage guidance:
Safety : Institute appropriate management if at risk for tumor lysis syndrome.
Clinical considerations: Thromboprophylaxis is recommended when used in combination with chemotherapy and/or dexamethasone for the treatment of multiple myeloma and may be offered to other high-risk patients when clinically appropriate; thromboprophylaxis regimen should be based on assessment of patient- and disease-specific risk factors as well as concomitant therapy (Ref). Refer to protocols or institutional guidance for additional details on off-label dosing.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, relapsed or refractory (off-label use): Oral: 10 mg once daily beginning on day 9 of cycle 1; administer continuously in combination with cyclic rituximab (Ref).
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, relapsed or refractory (off-label use):
Single-agent therapy: Oral: 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day treatment (as a single agent) cycle for up to 1 year (Ref).
Rituximab/lenalidomide/brentuximab vedotin regimen: Oral: 20 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 21-day treatment cycle (in combination with brentuximab vedotin and rituximab [may substitute with rituximab and hyaluronidase beginning with cycle 2]); continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Ref).
Tafasitamab/lenalidomide regimen: Oral: 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day treatment cycle (in combination with tafasitamab) for up to 12 cycles, followed by tafasitamab monotherapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Ref).
Follicular lymphoma, previously treated: Oral: 20 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day treatment cycle (in combination with rituximab) for up to 12 cycles (Ref).
Mantle cell lymphoma, relapsed or progressive: Oral: 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day treatment cycle; continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Ref).
Marginal zone lymphoma, previously treated: Oral: 20 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day treatment cycle (in combination with rituximab) for up to 12 cycles (Ref).
Multiple myeloma (labeled dose): Oral: 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day treatment cycle (in combination with dexamethasone [consider a reduced dexamethasone dose in patients >75 years of age]). In patients not eligible for autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation, continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity; in transplant eligible patients, hematopoietic cell mobilization should occur within 4 cycles of a lenalidomide-containing therapy (Ref).
Multiple myeloma, newly diagnosed (off-label combinations): Note: Refer to protocols for dosage adjustment details.
VRd (or RVd) regimen: Oral: 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 14 of a 21-day cycle (in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone) for 8 cycles (Ref) or 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 14 of a 21-day cycle (in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone) for 8 cycles, followed by 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle (in combination with dexamethasone) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Ref) or 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 14 of a 21-day cycle (in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone) for 3 cycles, followed by conditioning/transplant, followed (2 months after hematologic recovery in patients without progression) by 25 mg once daily (or last tolerated induction dose) on days 1 to 14 of a 21-day cycle (in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone) for 2 cycles, followed by lenalidomide 10 mg once daily (escalated to 15 mg once daily after 3 months as tolerated) for 1 year as maintenance therapy (Ref) or 25 mg on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day treatment cycle (in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone) for 6 induction cycles (with mobilization after the third induction cycle), followed by conditioning/transplant, followed by 2 additional VRd consolidation cycles 3 months after transplant (Ref).
VRd-lite regimen: Oral: 15 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 35-day treatment cycle (in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone) for 9 induction cycles, followed by 15 mg once daily (or last tolerated dose from cycle 9) on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day treatment cycle (in combination with bortezomib) for 6 consolidation cycles (Ref).
Daratumumab-containing regimens: Oral: 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 14 of a 21-day cycle (in combination with daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone; DVRd regimen) for 4 induction cycles and 2 post transplant consolidation cycles, followed by lenalidomide 10 mg once daily (escalated to 15 mg once daily after 3 months as tolerated) as maintenance therapy until disease progression or up to 2 years of therapy (Ref) or 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle (in combination with daratumumab and dexamethasone; DRd regimen) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs (Ref).
IRd regimen: Oral: 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle (in combination with ixazomib and dexamethasone) for 18 cycles (or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, whichever occurs first), followed by 10 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle (in combination with ixazomib) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Ref).
Isa-VRd regimen (patients ineligible for hematopoietic cell transplant): Oral: 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 14 and 22 to 35 of a 42-day cycle (in combination with isatuximab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone) for 4 induction cycles, followed by 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle (in combination with isatuximab and dexamethasone) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Ref).
KRd regimen: Oral: 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle (in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone) for up to 8 cycles (Ref), followed by maintenance lenalidomide 10 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle for 2 years (Ref).
Rd regimen: Oral: 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle (in combination with dexamethasone) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Ref) or 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle (in combination with dexamethasone) for 4 cycles (followed by consolidation/transplant) or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (transplant ineligible) (Ref) or 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle (in combination with dexamethasone) for 9 induction cycles, followed by maintenance therapy of 10 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle (lenalidomide monotherapy) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Ref).
Multiple myeloma, maintenance therapy following autologous hematopoietic cell transplant: Oral: 10 mg once daily (begin after adequate hematologic recovery [ANC ≥1,000/mm3; platelets ≥75,000/mm3]); after 3 months (if tolerated and in the absence of hematologic toxicity), increase dose to 15 mg once daily; continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Ref). A minimum of 2 years of lenalidomide maintenance therapy is recommended (Ref).
Off-label dosing: Oral: 10 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day treatment cycle; continue until relapse (Ref).
Multiple myeloma, relapsed or refractory (off-label combinations): Note: Refer to protocols for dosage adjustment details.
DRd regimen: Oral: 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle (in combination with daratumumab and dexamethasone) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs (Ref).
ERd regimen: Oral: 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle (in combination with elotuzumab and dexamethasone) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs (Ref).
KRd regimen: Oral: 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle (in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs (Ref).
VRd (or RVd) regimen: Oral: 15 mg once daily on days 1 to 14 of a 21-day treatment cycle for up to 8 cycles (in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone), followed by maintenance therapy (if response or stable disease) of 15 mg once daily (or last tolerated dose in cycle 8) on days 1 to 14 of a 21-day treatment cycle (in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs (Ref).
Myelodysplastic syndromes, International Prognostic Scoring System low risk or intermediate-1 risk, with deletion 5q: Oral: 10 mg once daily, continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs (Ref).
Off- label dosing: Oral: 10 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day treatment cycle or 5 mg once daily on days 1 to 28 of a 28-day treatment cycle; continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Ref).
Myelodysplastic syndromes, International Prognostic Scoring System low risk or intermediate-1 risk, without deletion 5q (off-label use):
Single-agent therapy: Oral: 10 mg once daily; continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Ref). Refer to protocols for dosage adjustment details.
Combination therapy: Oral: 10 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day treatment cycle (in combination with epoetin alfa); if major erythroid response achieved following 4 cycles of treatment, continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Ref).
Smoldering multiple myeloma, high risk (off-label use): Oral: 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day treatment cycle; continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity for up to 2 years (Ref).
Systemic light chain amyloidosis, previously treated (off-label use): Oral: 15 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle (in combination with dexamethasone) (Ref).
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
The renal dosing recommendations are based upon the best available evidence and clinical expertise. Senior Editorial Team: Bruce Mueller, PharmD, FCCP, FASN, FNKF; Jason Roberts, PhD, BPharm (Hons), B App Sc, FSHP, FISAC; Michael Heung, MD, MS.
|
CrCl |
If the usual dose is 25 mg once daily (eg, mantle cell lymphoma, multiple myeloma [combination therapy with dexamethasone]b) |
If the usual dose is 20 mg once daily (eg, follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma) |
If the usual dose is 15 mg once daily (eg, systemic light chain amyloidosisc) (no formal published recommendation; suggestions expert opinion only) |
If the usual dose is 10 mg once daily (eg, myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma [maintenance treatment after autologous stem cell transplant]) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
a Maintain appropriate number of treatment days per cycle based on indication and/or protocol. b Patients with multiple myeloma and decreased CrCl may experience an improvement in kidney function (often during the first cycle of therapy) when treatment with lenalidomide is initiated; frequent CrCl measurement and subsequent dose adjustment should be considered (Chen 2020). c Monitor kidney function closely, as acute kidney injury (usually occurring within the first 8 weeks of lenalidomide therapy) occurred in ~66% of patients in one report (Specter 2010). d It may be preferable to use full doses down to a CrCl of 50 mL/minute, as underdosing has been suggested (Chen 2020), and other multiple myeloma studies have successfully used full dose lenalidomide in patients with CrCl ≥50 mL/minute (Bridoux 2016; Dimopoulos 2010; Dimopoulos 2016; Mikhael 2018). e Approximately 30% removed during a 4-hour hemodialysis session (Chen 2007; manufacturer's labeling). f Dimopoulos 2016b. g Based on expert opinion. h Chen 2007. i Lichtman 2014. | ||||
|
CrCl >60 mL/minute |
No dosage adjustment necessary. |
No dosage adjustment necessary. |
No dosage adjustment necessary. |
No dosage adjustment necessary. |
|
CrCl 30 to 60 mL/minute |
Initial: 10 mg once daily; if treating multiple myeloma, may increase to 15 mg once daily after 2 cycles if tolerating treatment.d |
Initial: 10 mg once daily; if treating follicular lymphoma or marginal zone lymphoma may increase to 15 mg once daily after 2 cycles if tolerating treatment. |
Initial: 10 mg once daily; further individualize based on tolerance and response.g |
Initial: 5 mg once daily; further individualize dose based on tolerance and response. |
|
CrCl 15 to <30 mL/minute |
Initial: 15 mg every other day; if treating multiple myeloma, may increase dose to 10 mg once daily if tolerating treatment.f |
Initial: 5 mg once daily. |
Initial: 5 mg once daily; further individualize based on tolerance and response.g |
Initial: 2.5 mg once daily; further individualize dose based on tolerance and response. |
|
CrCl <15 mL/minute |
Initial: 5 mg once daily. |
Initial: 5 mg once daily. |
Initial: 5 mg once daily; further individualize dose based on tolerance and response.g |
Initial: 2.5 mg once daily; further individualize dose based on tolerance and response. |
|
Hemodialysis, intermittent (thrice weekly)e |
Initial: 5 mg once daily; when scheduled dose falls on a dialysis day administer after dialysis or Initial: 15 mg 3 times weekly after dialysis on dialysis days.h |
Initial: 5 mg once daily; when scheduled dose falls on a dialysis day, administer after dialysis. |
Initial: 5 mg once daily; when scheduled dose falls on a dialysis day, administer after dialysis; further individualize dose based on tolerance and response.g or Initial: 10 mg 3 times weekly after dialysis on dialysis daysi; further individualize dose based on tolerance and response.g |
Initial: 2.5 mg once daily; when scheduled dose falls on a dialysis day administer after dialysis; further individualize dose based on tolerance and response. |
|
Peritoneal dialysis |
Initial: 5 mg once daily (no data).g |
Initial: 5 mg once daily (no data).g |
Initial: 5 mg once daily (no data)g; further individualize dose based on tolerance and response.g |
Initial: 2.5 mg once daily (no data)g; further individualize dose based on tolerance and response. |
CRRT: Drug clearance is dependent on the effluent flow rate, filter type, and method of renal replacement. Recommendations are based on high-flux dialyzers and effluent flow rates of 20 to 25 mL/kg/hour (or ~1,500 to 3,000 mL/hour) and minimal residual kidney function unless otherwise noted. Appropriate dosing requires consideration of adequate drug concentrations and consideration of initial loading doses. Close monitoring of response and adverse reactions (eg, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) due to drug accumulation is important.
Oral: There are no data available to guide specific dosing recommendations. However, lenalidomide is likely removed by CRRT, therefore, dosing as for patients with CrCl 15 to <30 mL/minute is suggested with close monitoring (Ref).
PIRRT (eg, sustained, low-efficiency diafiltration): Drug clearance is dependent on the effluent flow rate, filter type, and method of renal replacement. Appropriate dosing requires consideration of adequate drug concentrations and consideration of initial loading doses. Close monitoring of response and adverse reactions (eg, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) due to drug accumulation is important.
Oral:
PIRRT days: There are no data available to guide specific dosing recommendations. However, lenalidomide is likely removed by PIRRT, therefore, dosing as for patients with CrCl 15 to <30 mL/minute is suggested with close monitoring; administer dose after PIRRT session has ended (Ref).
Non-PIRRT days: Dose as for CrCl <15 mL/minute (Ref).
Hepatic impairment prior to treatment initiation:
Mild impairment (total bilirubin >1 to 1.5 times ULN or any AST > ULN): There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; however, lenalidomide disposition is not influenced by mild impairment.
Moderate or severe impairment: There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling (has not been studied).
Hepatotoxicity during treatment: Interrupt lenalidomide for abnormal hepatic function tests; may consider resuming treatment at a lower dose upon return to baseline.
Note: Other concomitant anticancer therapies may also require dosage modification.
Hematologic toxicities: Note: Hematologic toxicity may require the use of blood product support and/or growth factors.
Follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma:
|
Adverse reaction |
Severity |
Lenalidomide dosage modification |
|---|---|---|
|
Neutropenia |
ANC <1,000/mm3 for ≥7 days; or ANC <1,000/mm3 associated with fever (≥38.5°C [101°F]); or ANC <500/mm3 |
Withhold lenalidomide and check CBC weekly; resume lenalidomide per dosing recommendations below when ANC ≥1,000/mm3. If starting dose was 20 mg daily: Resume lenalidomide at 5 mg less than the previous dose; do not dose below 5 mg daily. If starting dose was 10 mg daily: Resume lenalidomide at 5 mg less than the previous dose; do not dose below 2.5 mg daily. |
|
Thrombocytopenia |
Platelets <50,000/mm3 |
Withhold lenalidomide and check CBC weekly; resume lenalidomide per dosing recommendations below when platelets ≥50,000/mm3. If starting dose was 20 mg daily: Resume lenalidomide at 5 mg less than the previous dose; do not dose below 5 mg daily. If starting dose was 10 mg daily: Resume lenalidomide at 5 mg less than the previous dose; do not dose below 2.5 mg daily. |
Mantle cell lymphoma:
|
Adverse reaction |
Severity |
Lenalidomide dosage modification |
|---|---|---|
|
Neutropenia |
ANC <1,000/mm3 for ≥7 days; or ANC <1,000/mm3 associated with fever (≥38.5°C [101°F]); or ANC <500/mm3 |
Withhold lenalidomide and check CBC weekly; resume lenalidomide when ANC ≥1,000/mm3 at 5 mg less than the previous dose. Do not dose below 5 mg daily. |
|
Thrombocytopenia |
Platelets <50,000/mm3 |
Withhold lenalidomide and check CBC weekly; resume lenalidomide when platelets ≥50,000/mm3 at 5 mg less than the previous dose. Do not dose below 5 mg daily. |
Multiple myeloma, combination therapy with dexamethasone:
|
Adverse reaction |
Severity |
Lenalidomide dosage modification |
|---|---|---|
|
Neutropenia |
ANC <1,000/mm3 (first occurrence) |
Withhold lenalidomide and check CBC weekly; resume lenalidomide per dosing recommendations below when ANC ≥1,000/mm3. ANC ≥1,000/mm3; neutropenia is only toxicity: Resume lenalidomide at 25 mg daily or initial starting dose. ANC ≥1,000/mm3; other toxicity present: Resume lenalidomide at the next lower dose; do not dose below 2.5 mg daily. |
|
ANC <1,000/mm3 (subsequent occurrences) |
Withhold lenalidomide; resume lenalidomide at the next lower dose when ANC ≥1,000/mm3. Do not dose below 2.5 mg daily. | |
|
Thrombocytopenia |
Platelets <30,000/mm3 (first occurrence) |
Withhold lenalidomide and check CBC weekly; resume lenalidomide at the next lower dose when platelets ≥30,000/mm3. Do not dose below 2.5 mg daily. |
|
Platelets <30,000/mm3 (subsequent occurrences) |
Withhold lenalidomide; resume lenalidomide at the next lower dose when platelets ≥30,000/mm3. Do not dose below 2.5 mg daily. |
Multiple myeloma, maintenance following autologous cell transplant:
|
Adverse reaction |
Severity |
Lenalidomide dosage modification |
|---|---|---|
|
Neutropenia |
ANC <500/mm3
|
Withhold lenalidomide and check CBC weekly; resume lenalidomide at the next lower dose with continuous dosing on days 1 to 28 of a 28-day cycle when ANC ≥500/mm3. |
|
ANC <500/mm3 (subsequent occurrence at 5 mg daily [continuous] dose) |
Withhold lenalidomide; resume lenalidomide at 5 mg daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle when ANC ≥500/mm3. Do not dose below 5 mg daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle. | |
|
Thrombocytopenia |
Platelets <30,000/mm3 (first occurrence) |
Withhold lenalidomide and check CBC weekly; resume lenalidomide at the next lower dose with continuous dosing on days 1 to 28 of a 28-day cycle when platelets ≥30,000/mm3. |
|
Platelets <30,000/mm3 (subsequent occurrence at 5 mg daily [continuous] dose) |
Withhold lenalidomide; resume lenalidomide at 5 mg daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle when platelets ≥30,000/mm3. Do not dose below 5 mg daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle. |
Myelodysplastic syndromes (with deletion 5q):
|
Hematologic toxicity developing WITHIN 4 weeks of starting treatment at 10 mg daily | ||
|
Adverse reaction |
Severity |
Lenalidomide dosage modification |
|
Neutropenia |
ANC <750/mm3 (baseline ANC ≥1,000/mm3)
|
Withhold lenalidomide; resume lenalidomide at 5 mg daily when ANC ≥1,000/mm3. |
|
ANC <500/mm3 (baseline ANC <1,000/mm3) |
Withhold lenalidomide; resume lenalidomide at 5 mg daily when ANC ≥500/mm3. | |
|
Thrombocytopenia |
Platelets <50,000/mm3 (baseline platelets ≥100,000/mm3) |
Withhold lenalidomide; resume lenalidomide at 5 mg daily when platelets ≥50,000/mm3. |
|
Platelets <50% of baseline (baseline platelets <100,000/mm3) |
Withhold lenalidomide. Baseline platelets ≥60,000/mm3: Resume lenalidomide at 5 mg daily when platelets ≥50,000/mm3. Baseline platelets <60,000/mm3: Resume lenalidomide at 5 mg daily when platelets ≥30,000/mm3. | |
|
Hematologic toxicity developing AFTER 4 weeks of starting treatment at 10 mg daily | ||
|
Adverse reaction |
Severity |
Lenalidomide dosage modification |
|
Neutropenia |
ANC <500/mm3 for ≥7 days; or
ANC <500/mm3 associated with fever (≥38.5°C [101°F]) |
Withhold lenalidomide; resume lenalidomide at 5 mg daily when ANC ≥500/mm3. |
|
Thrombocytopenia |
Platelets <30,000/mm3; or Platelets <50,000/mm3 with platelet transfusions |
Withhold lenalidomide; resume lenalidomide at 5 mg daily when platelets ≥30,000/mm3 (without hemostatic failure). |
|
Hematologic toxicity developing on treatment at 5 mg daily | ||
|
Adverse reaction |
Severity |
Lenalidomide dosage modification |
|
Neutropenia |
ANC <500/mm3 for ≥7 days; or
ANC <500/mm3 associated with fever (≥38.5°C [101°F]) |
Withhold lenalidomide; resume lenalidomide at 2.5 mg daily when ANC ≥500/mm3.
|
|
Thrombocytopenia |
Platelets <30,000/mm3; or Platelets <50,000/mm3 with platelet transfusions |
Withhold lenalidomide; resume lenalidomide at 2.5 mg daily when platelets ≥30,000/mm3 (without hemostatic failure).
|
Nonhematologic toxicities (all indications):
|
Adverse reaction |
Severity |
Lenalidomide dosage modification |
|---|---|---|
|
a NSAIDs = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, DRESS = drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. | ||
|
Dermatologic toxicity |
Skin rash (grade 2 or 3)
|
Consider interruption or discontinuation of lenalidomide treatment. |
|
Skin rash (grade 4), exfoliative or bullous rash, severe cutaneous reactions (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or DRESSa or other severe dermatologic reactions |
Permanently discontinue lenalidomide. | |
|
Hypersensitivity |
Angioedema or anaphylaxis |
Permanently discontinue lenalidomide. |
|
Thromboembolism |
Signs/symptoms of thromboembolism present (eg, shortness of breath, chest pain, arm/leg swelling) |
Instruct patient to seek prompt medical attention. |
|
Tumor flare reaction |
Grade 1 or 2 |
Continue therapy at provider's discretion; may consider symptom management with corticosteroids, NSAIDsa, and/or narcotic analgesic therapy. |
|
Grade 3 or 4 |
Withhold lenalidomide; resume when tumor flare reaction resolved to ≤ grade 1; consider symptom management with corticosteroids, NSAIDsa, and/or narcotic analgesic therapy. | |
|
Other nonhematologic adverse effects |
Grade 3 or 4 |
Withhold lenalidomide; resume at provider's discretion at the next lower dose when toxicity resolved to ≤ grade 2. |
Refer to adult dosing. Due to the potential for decreased renal function in the elderly, select dose carefully and closely monitor renal function.
Lenalidomide may cause significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Eighty percent of patients with deletion 5q myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) had to have initial dose delay/reduction and 34% of patients had to have a second dose delay/reduction during the major study. Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity occurred in 80% of patients enrolled in the study. Rates and severity of hematologic toxicity may vary by indication and dosing schedule (lowest rates with lymphoma and highest with MDS, with myeloma rates in between). Median time to documented recovery of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was 17 days and grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia was 22 days. Lenalidomide is known to increase risk of fatal infections due to neutropenia (Ref).
Mechanism: Not clearly established; however, lenalidomide has multiple immunomodulatory affects that lead to decreased cell proliferation, including loss of PU.1, a key transcription factor involved in granulopoiesis, which leads to transient arrest of neutrophil maturation and subsequent neutropenia. Other mechanisms include modulation and downregulation of inflammatory cytokines, modulation of B-, T-, and NK-cells, as well as effects on the bone marrow microenvironment (Ref).
Onset: Delayed; median time to onset of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was 42 days and grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia was 28 days. Data suggest incidence of infection is highest in initial months of drug treatment (Ref).
Risk factors:
• MDS deletion 5q versus other indications
• Concurrent use of other myelosuppressive therapies
• Preexisting kidney impairment
• Multiple myeloma disease-related complications that increase the risk of infection (eg, fractures, neutropenia, neurodegenerative disease) (Ref)
Lenalidomide may cause abnormal hepatic function tests (Ref). Rarely, hepatic failure (including fatal) has been reported in patients treated with combination lenalidomide and dexamethasone therapy. The pattern of liver injury may have cholestatic, hepatocellular, or mixed characteristics (Ref). Discontinuation of therapy has resulted in normalization of liver function tests in ~2 to 3 weeks (range: 8 to 30 days) (Ref)
Mechanism: Not clearly established; may have direct hepatotoxic effects. Proposed mechanisms also include changes in vascular inflow or outflow, possibly related to thrombotic effects of lenalidomide (Ref).
Onset: Intermediate; 7 to 10 days after initiation have been reported (Ref)
Risk factors:
• Preexisting liver disease
• Baseline elevations in liver enzymes
• Concurrent hepatotoxic medications
• Preexisting kidney impairment (Ref)
Immediate (eg, anaphylaxis, angioedema) (Ref) and delayed hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions include mild reactions most often described as maculopapular or morbilliform skin rashes or urticaria occurring in ~40% of patients (Ref). Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) (Ref) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) (Ref) have been documented; some events have been fatal. Lenalidomide has also been associated with other delayed hypersensitivity reactions, including myocarditis (Ref) and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (Ref).
Mechanism: Immediate hypersensitivity reactions (eg, anaphylaxis, urticaria): non–dose-related, immunologic, IgE-mediated. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions: Non–dose-related, immunologic, T-cell mediated (Ref).
Onset: Immediate hypersensitivity reactions: Rapid; occur within 1 hour of administration but may occur up to 6 hours after exposure (Ref). Delayed hypersensitivity reactions: Varied. Morbilliform and maculopapular rashes occurred a median of 3 weeks after initiation (Ref). SCARs occur 1 to 8 weeks after initiation (Ref); the median time to onset for lenalidomide-associated SJS was 24 days (Ref).
Risk factors:
• Cross-reactivity among immunomodulatory drugs (eg, thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide) is variable, despite the similarity in chemical structures (Ref)
• Systemic amyloidosis versus multiple myeloma indication (Ref)
• Possible association with specific HLA proteins (Ref)
Second primary malignancies, including hematologic (primarily acute myeloid leukemia [AML] and myelodysplastic syndrome [MDS]) and solid tumor malignancies, and non-melanoma skin cancers, have been reported with lenalidomide when used for the treatment of MDS and multiple myeloma. Overall risk is low, multifactorial, and partially related to length of patient survival and the susceptibility of multiple myeloma to additional malignancies (Ref).
Mechanism: Not clearly established; may be related to immunomodulatory effects on the tumor microenvironment, favoring the escape/growth of abnormal clones that could result in second primary malignancy development. With MDS and AML, may be related to the stem-cell damaging effects through a ubiquitin/cereblon-based inhibition pathway. Another proposal is that the increased survival benefit provided by the drug increases the likelihood of development of second primary malignancies due to time, rather than a direct drug effect itself (Ref).
Risk factors:
• Multiple myeloma as indication for treatment (Ref)
• Concurrent or previous melphalan therapy or other alkylating agents with or without previous autologous stem cell transplantation (Ref)
• History of radiotherapy (Ref)
• Older age (Ref)
• Males (Ref)
Lenalidomide and dexamethasone combination therapy has been associated with a significant increased risk for arterial and venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in patients with multiple myeloma. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), acute myocardial infarction (MI), and cerebrovascular accident have been reported (Ref).
Mechanism: May be related to increased platelet aggregation, single-nucleotide sequence variants and altered balance between procoagulant and anticoagulant proteins on the surface of endothelial cells (Ref).
Onset: Delayed; median treatment durations prior to thromboembolic events ranged from 2 to 34 cycles (Ref).
Risk factors:
• History of arterial or VTE (Ref)
• Underlying comorbidities known to increase VTE risk (eg, infection, diabetes, cardiac disease, inherited thrombophilia) (Ref)
• Concurrent therapies (eg, higher doses of corticosteroids, doxorubicin, multi-agent chemotherapy, erythropoiesis stimulating agents, estrogen) (Ref)
• Cardiovascular comorbidities (eg, hyperlipidemia, hypertension)
• Smoking
• Older age (Ref)
• Immobilization (Ref)
• Surgery (Ref)
• Use of central venous catheters (Ref)
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Reported adverse reactions are for adults receiving monotherapy and may vary based on indication. Adverse reactions are reported for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, maintenance therapy following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (MM-auto-HSCT), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) unless otherwise indicated.
>10%:
Cardiovascular: Peripheral edema (MCL, MDS: 16% to 20%)
Dermatologic: Pruritus (MCL: 17%; MDS: 42%), skin rash (MCL, MDS: 22% to 36%; MM-auto-HSCT: 8%), xeroderma (MDS, MM-auto-HSCT: 11% to 14%)
Endocrine & metabolic: Hypokalemia (4% to 13%), weight loss (MCL: 13%)
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain (10% to 12%), constipation (13% to 24%), decreased appetite (MCL: 14%), diarrhea (MCL: 31%; MDS, MM-auto-HSCT: 39% to 49%; grades 3/4: 2% to 6%), gastroenteritis (MM-auto-HSCT: 23%), nausea (MCL, MDS: 24% to 30%; MM-auto-HSCT: 11%; grades 3/4: <4%), vomiting (MCL, MDS: 10% to 12%; grades 3/4: ≤1%)
Genitourinary: Urinary tract infection (4% to 11%)
Hematologic & oncologic: Anemia (MCL: 31%; MDS, MM-auto-HSCT: 9% to 11%, grades 3/4: 4% to 11%), leukopenia (MCL, MDS: 8% to 15%; MM-auto-HSCT: 32%; grades 3/4: MCL, MDS: 5% to 7%; MM-auto-HSCT: 24%), neutropenia (MCL: 49%; MDS, MM-auto-HSCT: 59% to 61%; grades 3/4: 43% to 54%) (table 1), thrombocytopenia (MCL, MM-auto-HSCT: 24% to 36%; MDS: 61%; grades 3/4: MCL: 28%; MDS: 50%; MM-auto-HSCT: 13%) (table 2)
|
Drug (Lenalidomide) |
Placebo |
Dose |
Indication |
Number of Patients (Lenalidomide) |
Number of Patients (Placebo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
All grades: 49% |
N/A |
CrCl ≥60 mL/minute: 25 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle; CrCl ≥30 mL/minute and <60 mL/minute: 10 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle |
Mantle cell lymphoma |
134 |
N/A |
|
Grades 3/4: 43% |
N/A |
CrCl ≥60 mL/minute: 25 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle; CrCl ≥30 mL/minute and <60 mL/minute: 10 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle |
Mantle cell lymphoma |
134 |
N/A |
|
All grades: 61% |
12% |
10 mg once daily |
Multiple myeloma, maintenance therapy following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation |
293 |
280 |
|
Grades 3/4: 54% |
8% |
10 mg once daily |
Multiple myeloma, maintenance therapy following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation |
293 |
280 |
|
All grades: 59% |
N/A |
10 mg once daily or 10 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle |
Myelodysplastic syndrome |
148 |
N/A |
|
Grades 3/4: 53% |
N/A |
10 mg once daily or 10 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle |
Myelodysplastic syndrome |
148 |
N/A |
|
Drug (Lenalidomide) |
Placebo |
Dose |
Indication |
Number of Patients (Lenalidomide) |
Number of Patients (Placebo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
All grades: 36% |
N/A |
CrCl ≥60 mL/minute: 25 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle; CrCl ≥30 mL/minute and <60 mL/minute: 10 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle |
Mantle cell lymphoma |
134 |
N/A |
|
Grades 3/4: 28% |
N/A |
CrCl ≥60 mL/minute: 25 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle; CrCl ≥30 mL/minute and <60 mL/minute: 10 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle |
Mantle cell lymphoma |
134 |
N/A |
|
All grades: 24% |
10% |
10 mg once daily |
Multiple myeloma, maintenance therapy following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation |
293 |
280 |
|
Grades 3/4: 13% |
3% |
10 mg once daily |
Multiple myeloma, maintenance therapy following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation |
293 |
280 |
|
All grades: 61% |
N/A |
10 mg once daily or 10 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle |
Myelodysplastic syndrome |
148 |
N/A |
|
Grades 3/4: 50% |
N/A |
10 mg once daily or 10 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle |
Myelodysplastic syndrome |
148 |
N/A |
Infection: Influenza (MM-auto-HSCT: 13%)
Nervous system: Asthenia (MCL, MDS: 14% to 15%; MM-auto-HSCT: 30%), dizziness (MDS: 20%), fatigue (MCL, MDS: 31% to 34%; MM-auto-HSCT: 11%), headache (MDS: 20%; MM-auto-HSCT: 9%), paresthesia (MM-auto-HSCT: 13%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia (MCL: 8%; MDS: 22%), back pain (MCL, MDS: 13% to 21%), limb pain (MDS: 11%), muscle cramps (MDS: 18%), muscle spasm (MCL: 13%; MM-auto-HSCT: 33%)
Respiratory: Bronchitis (MDS: 6%; MM-auto-HSCT: 47%), cough (20% to 28%), dyspnea (including exacerbations: MCL, MDS: 17% to 18%; MM-auto-HSCT: 6%), epistaxis (MDS: 15%), nasopharyngitis (MDS: 23%; MM-auto-HSCT: 35%), pharyngitis (MDS: 16%), pneumonia (11% to 17%; can be lobar pneumonia), rhinitis (MDS, MM-auto-HSCT: 7% to 15%), sinusitis (MDS, MM-auto-HSCT: 8% to 14%; can be acute sinusitis), upper respiratory tract infection (11% to 15%)
Miscellaneous: Fever (20% to 23%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Acute myocardial infarction (MCL: ≥2%), chest pain (MDS: 5%), deep vein thrombosis (MCL, MM-auto-HSCT: 2% to 4%) (table 3), edema (MDS: 10%), heart failure (MCL), hypertension (MDS: 6%), hypotension (MCL: 7%), palpitations (MDS: 5%), pulmonary embolism (MCL, MM-auto-HSCT: 1% to 2%) (table 4), supraventricular tachycardia (MCL: ≥2%), swelling of extremities (MDS: 8%), syncope (MDS: grades 3/4: 1%)
|
Drug (Lenalidomide) |
Placebo |
Dose |
Indication |
Number of Patients (Lenalidomide) |
Number of Patients (Placebo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4% |
N/A |
CrCl ≥60 mL/minute: 25 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle; CrCl ≥30 mL/minute and <60 mL/minute: 10 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle |
Mantle cell lymphoma |
134 |
N/A |
|
2% |
<1% |
10 mg once daily |
Multiple myeloma, maintenance therapy following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation |
293 |
280 |
|
Drug (Lenalidomide) |
Placebo |
Dose |
Indication |
Number of Patients (Lenalidomide) |
Number of Patients (Placebo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2% |
N/A |
CrCl ≥60 mL/minute: 25 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle; CrCl ≥30 mL/minute and <60 mL/minute: 10 mg once daily for 21 days of a 28-day treatment cycle |
Mantle cell lymphoma |
134 |
N/A |
|
1% |
0% |
10 mg once daily |
Multiple myeloma, maintenance therapy following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation |
293 |
280 |
Dermatologic: Basal cell carcinoma of skin (MCL: ≥2%), cellulitis (MCL, MDS: 2% to 5%), diaphoresis (MDS: 7%), ecchymoses (MDS: 5%), erythema of skin (MDS: 5%), night sweats (MDS: 8%), squamous cell carcinoma of skin (MCL: 3%)
Endocrine & metabolic: Dehydration (MCL: 7%), hypocalcemia (MCL: 3%), hypomagnesemia (MDS: 6%), hyponatremia (MCL: 2%), hypothyroidism (MDS: 7%)
Gastrointestinal: Anorexia (MDS: 10%), Clostridioides difficile colitis (MCL: ≥2%), dysgeusia (MDS: 6%), oral herpes simplex infection (MCL), upper abdominal pain (MDS, MM-auto-HSCT: 7% to 8%), xerostomia (MDS: 7%)
Genitourinary: Dysuria (MDS: 7%)
Hematologic & oncologic: Bruise (MDS: 8%), febrile neutropenia (2% to 6%; grades 3/4: 2% to 6%), granulocytopenia (MDS: grades 3/4: 2%), lymphocytopenia (MCL, MM-auto-HSCT: 4% to 7%; grades 3/4: 4%), myelodysplastic syndrome (MM-auto-HSCT: 1%; grades 3/4: <1%), pancytopenia (MM-auto-HSCT: 4%; MDS, MM-auto-HSCT: grades 3/4: 2%), tumor flare (MCL: 10%)
Hepatic: Hyperbilirubinemia (MM-auto-HSCT: 1%), increased serum alanine aminotransferase (MDS: 8%)
Infection: Bacteremia (MCL: 1%), herpes zoster infection (including reactivation; MM-auto-HSCT: 10%), infection (MM-auto-HSCT: 6%) (table 5), sepsis (MCL, MM-auto-HSCT: 1% to 2%)
|
Drug (Lenalidomide) |
Placebo |
Dose |
Indication |
Number of Patients (Lenalidomide) |
Number of Patients (Placebo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6% |
2% |
10 mg once daily |
Multiple myeloma, maintenance therapy following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation |
293 |
280 |
Nervous system: Chills (MCL), depression (MDS: 5%), hypoesthesia (MDS: 7%), insomnia (MDS: 10%), lethargy (MCL), myasthenia (MCL: 6%), pain (MDS: 7%), peripheral neuropathy (MDS, MM-auto-HSCT: 5% to 10%; grades 3/4: 1%), rigors (MDS: 6%), vertigo (MCL)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Myalgia (MDS, MM-auto-HSCT: 6% to 9%)
Renal: Renal failure syndrome (MCL: 4%)
Respiratory: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (MCL: ≥2%), Dyspnea on exertion (MDS: 7%), hypoxia (MCL: 2%), oropharyngeal pain (MCL: 10%), pleural effusion (MCL: 7%), respiratory distress (MCL: 1%), respiratory tract infection (MM-auto-HSCT: 3%), rhinorrhea (MM-auto-HSCT: 5%)
Miscellaneous: Multi-organ failure (MDS: grades 3/4: 1%)
Frequency not defined (any indication):
Cardiovascular: Angina pectoris, atrial fibrillation (including aggravated atrial fibrillation), bradycardia, cardiac disorder (aortic disorder), cardiogenic shock, cardiomyopathy, superficial thrombophlebitis, supraventricular cardiac arrhythmia, tachyarrhythmia, ventricular dysfunction
Dermatologic: Sweet syndrome
Endocrine & metabolic: Graves disease, hypernatremia, hypoglycemia
Gastrointestinal: Abscess of rectum and/or peri-rectal area, biliary obstruction, cholecystitis (may be acute), colonic polyps, diverticulitis of the gastrointestinal tract, dysphagia, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastrointestinal hemorrhage (including upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage), infection of mouth, inguinal hernia (obstructive), intestinal obstruction (small intestine), intestinal perforation, irritable bowel syndrome, ischemic colitis, melena, pancreatitis, rectal hemorrhage
Genitourinary: Azotemia, hematuria, pelvic pain, prostate carcinoma, urinary tract infection with sepsis, urolithiasis (ureter)
Hematologic & oncologic: Acquired blood coagulation disorder, acute leukemia, bone marrow depression, hemolysis, hemolytic anemia, malignant lymphoma, myeloid leukemia (acute), splenic infarction, warm antibody immunohemolytic anemia
Infection: Fungal infection, herpes virus infection, kidney infection, septic shock
Nervous system: Abnormal gait, aphasia, cerebellar infarction, cerebral infarction, cerebrovascular accident, confusion, dysarthria, falling, impaired consciousness, migraine, subarachnoid hemorrhage, transient ischemic attacks
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthritis (including exacerbation), bone fracture (cervical, femoral neck fracture, femur fracture, pelvic fracture, rib fracture, spinal cord compression), calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, gout, gouty arthritis, neck pain
Otic: Otic infection
Renal: Acute kidney injury, increased serum creatinine
Respiratory: Bronchogenic carcinoma, interstitial lung disease, malignant neoplasm of lung, pulmonary edema, pulmonary infiltrates, respiratory failure, wheezing
Miscellaneous: Mass (renal), nodule
Postmarketing (any indication):
Cardiovascular: Myocarditis (Ref)
Dermatologic: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (Ref), toxic epidermal necrolysis (Ref), urticaria (Ref)
Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperthyroidism (Ref)
Hematologic & oncologic: Tumor lysis syndrome
Hepatic: Abnormal hepatic function tests (Ref), cholestatic hepatitis, hepatic cytolysis, hepatic failure, toxic hepatitis
Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis, angioedema (Ref), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (Ref)
Immunologic: Graft-versus-host disease, organ transplant rejection
Infection: Reactivation of HBV
Nervous system: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (Ref)
Respiratory: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (Ref), pneumonitis
Severe hypersensitivity (eg, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) to lenalidomide or any component of the formulation; pregnancy.
Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in the US labeling): Platelet count <50,000/mm3 (in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes); hypersensitivity to thalidomide or pomalidomide; patients capable of becoming pregnant; breastfeeding; male patients unable to follow or comply with required contraceptive measures.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• CNS effects: May cause dizziness or fatigue; caution patients about performing tasks that require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery, driving).
• Tumor flare: Tumor flare reactions, including fatalities, have been observed in studies of lenalidomide for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and lymphomas; clinical presentation includes low grade fever, pain, rash, and tender lymph node swelling. In patients with mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and/or marginal zone lymphoma, tumor flare may mimic disease progression. In clinical trials, the majority of tumor flare events occurred in the first cycle of therapy.
• Tumor lysis syndrome: Tumor lysis syndrome (with fatalities) has been reported with lenalidomide. Patients with a high tumor burden may be at risk for tumor lysis syndrome.
Disease-related concerns:
• Heart failure: In a scientific statement from the American Heart Association, lenalidomide has been determined to be an agent that may either cause direct myocardial toxicity or exacerbate underlying myocardial dysfunction (magnitude: major) (AHA [Page 2016]).
• Kidney impairment: Use with caution in patients with kidney impairment; may experience an increased rate of toxicities due to reduced clearance and increased half-life.
• Mantle cell lymphoma: An increased incidence of early deaths (within 20 weeks) was reported in one study of patients receiving lenalidomide for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma. Risk factors for early death include high tumor burden, mantle cell lymphoma international prognostic index (MIPI) score at diagnosis, and high WBC count (≥10,000/mm3) at baseline.
• Multiple myeloma: An increase in mortality was noted in 2 clinical studies in patients with multiple myeloma who received pembrolizumab in combination with a thalidomide analogue and dexamethasone. Pembrolizumab should not be used to treat multiple myeloma in combination with a thalidomide analogue and dexamethasone unless as part of a clinical trial.
• Stem cell mobilization: Lenalidomide use (≥4 cycles) may decrease the number of CD34+ cells collected for autologous hematopoietic cell transplant. Transplant eligible patients receiving lenalidomide should be referred to an appropriate transplant center in order to optimize the timing of stem cell collection. Cyclophosphamide in combination with G-CSF or G-CSF in combination with a CXC chemokine receptor 4 inhibitor (eg, plerixafor) may be considered when CD34+ cell collection is impaired.
Special populations:
• Older adult: Certain adverse reactions (DVT, PE, atrial fibrillation, renal failure) are more likely in patients >65 years of age; in some studies, the incidence of grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions was higher in older adults.
• Pediatric: If used in patients between 12 to 18 years of age, the parent or legal guardian must agree to ensure compliance with the Lenalidomide REMS program.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Appropriate use: In a clinical trial comparing lenalidomide versus chlorambucil single agent therapy in patients >65 years of age with chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients (not an FDA-approved indication), increased mortality was observed in the lenalidomide treatment arm. Atrial fibrillation, cardiac failure, and MI were observed more frequently in lenalidomide-treated patients; lenalidomide (alone or in combination) is not currently recommended for first-line treatment of CLL.
• REMS program: Due to the embryo-fetal risk, lenalidomide is only available through a restricted program under the Lenalidomide REMS program. Prescribers and pharmacies must be certified with the program to prescribe or dispense lenalidomide. Lenalidomide should only be prescribed to patients who can understand and comply with the conditions of the Lenalidomide REMS program.
• Blood donation: Patients should be advised not to donate blood during lenalidomide treatment and for 4 weeks following completion of therapy.
• Lactose intolerance: Product may contain lactose; avoid use in patients with congenital lactase deficiency, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or glucose intolerance.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Capsule, Oral:
Revlimid: 2.5 mg [contains fd&c blue #2 (indigotine,indigo carmine)]
Revlimid: 5 mg
Revlimid: 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg [contains fd&c blue #2 (indigotine,indigo carmine)]
Revlimid: 25 mg
Generic: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg
Yes
Capsules (Lenalidomide Oral)
2.5 mg (per each): $609.56 - $949.88
5 mg (per each): $544.88 - $949.88
10 mg (per each): $571.01 - $949.88
15 mg (per each): $584.89 - $949.88
20 mg (per each): $556.12 - $949.88
25 mg (per each): $573.36 - $949.88
Capsules (Revlimid Oral)
2.5 mg (per each): $1,069.86
5 mg (per each): $1,069.86
10 mg (per each): $1,069.86
15 mg (per each): $1,069.86
20 mg (per each): $1,069.86
25 mg (per each): $1,069.86
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Capsule, Oral:
Revlimid: 2.5 mg [contains fd&c blue #2 (indigotine,indigo carmine)]
Revlimid: 5 mg
Revlimid: 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg [contains fd&c blue #2 (indigotine,indigo carmine)]
Revlimid: 25 mg
Generic: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg
In Canada, distribution is restricted through RevAid (www.RevAid.ca or 1-888-738-2431).
Oral: Administer at about the same time each day with water; administer with or without food. Swallow capsule whole; do not break, open, or chew.
Missed doses: May administer a missed dose if within 12 hours of usual dosing time. If greater than 12 hours, patient should skip dose for that day and resume usual dosing the following day. Patient should not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.
Hazardous agent (NIOSH 2024 [table 1]).
Use appropriate precautions for receiving, handling, storage, preparation, dispensing, transporting, administration, and disposal. Follow NIOSH and USP 800 recommendations and institution-specific policies/procedures for appropriate containment strategy (NIOSH 2023; NIOSH 2024; USP-NF 2020).
An FDA-approved patient medication guide, which is available with the product information and at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/021880s067lbl.pdf#page=48, must be dispensed with this medication.
Follicular lymphoma, previously treated: Treatment of previously treated follicular lymphoma (in combination with a rituximab product) in adults.
Mantle cell lymphoma, relapsed or progressive: Treatment of mantle cell lymphoma that has relapsed or progressed after 2 prior therapies (one of which included bortezomib) in adults.
Marginal zone lymphoma, previously treated: Treatment of previously treated marginal zone lymphoma (in combination with a rituximab product) in adults.
Multiple myeloma: Treatment of multiple myeloma (in combination with dexamethasone) in adults; maintenance therapy following autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in adults.
Myelodysplastic syndromes, International Prognostic Scoring System low-risk or intermediate-1-risk, with deletion 5q: Treatment of transfusion-dependent anemia due to low- or intermediate-1-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with a deletion 5q (del [5q]) cytogenetic abnormality with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities in adults.
Limitations of use: Lenalidomide is not indicated and is not recommended for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) outside of controlled clinical trials (manufacturer’s labeling).
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, relapsed or refractory; Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, relapsed or refractory; Myelodysplastic syndromes, International Prognostic Scoring System low-risk or intermediate-1-risk, without deletion 5q; Smoldering multiple myeloma, high risk; Systemic light chain amyloidosis, previously treated
Lenalidomide may be confused with leflunomide, pomalidomide, thalidomide.
Revlimid may be confused with revefenacin, Thalomid.
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) includes this medication among its list of drugs (contraindicated in pregnancy) which have a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error (High-Alert Medications in Community/Ambulatory Care Settings).
Revlimid may be confused with Revolade, a brand name for eltrombopag [Canada].
Substrate of P-glycoprotein (Minor); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential;
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
5-Aminosalicylic Acid Derivatives: May increase myelosuppressive effects of Myelosuppressive Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Abatacept: Anti-TNF Agents may increase immunosuppressive effects of Abatacept. Risk X: Avoid
Abrocitinib: May increase immunosuppressive effects of Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents). Risk X: Avoid
Anakinra: Anti-TNF Agents may increase adverse/toxic effects of Anakinra. An increased risk of serious infection during concomitant use has been reported. Risk X: Avoid
Antithymocyte Globulin (Equine): Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase adverse/toxic effects of Antithymocyte Globulin (Equine). Specifically, these effects may be unmasked if the dose of immunosuppressive therapy is reduced. Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase immunosuppressive effects of Antithymocyte Globulin (Equine). Specifically, infections may occur with greater severity and/or atypical presentations. Risk C: Monitor
Antithyroid Agents: Myelosuppressive Agents may increase neutropenic effects of Antithyroid Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Baricitinib: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase immunosuppressive effects of Baricitinib. Risk X: Avoid
BCG Products: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of BCG Products. Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase adverse/toxic effects of BCG Products. Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Risk X: Avoid
Bisphosphonate Derivatives: Angiogenesis Inhibitors (Systemic) may increase adverse/toxic effects of Bisphosphonate Derivatives. Specifically, the risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw may be increased. Risk C: Monitor
Brincidofovir: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Brincidofovir. Risk C: Monitor
Brivudine: May increase adverse/toxic effects of Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents). Risk X: Avoid
Canakinumab: Anti-TNF Agents may increase adverse/toxic effects of Canakinumab. Specifically, the risk for serious infections and/or neutropenia may be increased. Risk X: Avoid
Certolizumab Pegol: Anti-TNF Agents may increase immunosuppressive effects of Certolizumab Pegol. Risk X: Avoid
Chikungunya Vaccine (Live): Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase adverse/toxic effects of Chikungunya Vaccine (Live). Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Chikungunya Vaccine (Live). Risk X: Avoid
Chloramphenicol (Ophthalmic): May increase adverse/toxic effects of Myelosuppressive Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Chloramphenicol (Systemic): Myelosuppressive Agents may increase myelosuppressive effects of Chloramphenicol (Systemic). Risk X: Avoid
Cladribine: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase immunosuppressive effects of Cladribine. Risk X: Avoid
CloZAPine: Myelosuppressive Agents may increase adverse/toxic effects of CloZAPine. Specifically, the risk for neutropenia may be increased. Risk C: Monitor
Coccidioides immitis Skin Test: Coadministration of Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) and Coccidioides immitis Skin Test may alter diagnostic results. Management: Consider discontinuing these oncologic agents several weeks prior to coccidioides immitis skin antigen testing to increase the likelihood of accurate diagnostic results. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
COVID-19 Vaccine (Inactivated Virus): Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of COVID-19 Vaccine (Inactivated Virus). Risk C: Monitor
COVID-19 Vaccine (mRNA): Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of COVID-19 Vaccine (mRNA). Management: Give a 3-dose primary series for all patients aged 6 months and older taking immunosuppressive medications or therapies. Booster doses are recommended for certain age groups. See CDC guidance for details. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
COVID-19 Vaccine (Subunit): Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of COVID-19 Vaccine (Subunit). Risk C: Monitor
Deferiprone: Myelosuppressive Agents may increase neutropenic effects of Deferiprone. Management: Avoid the concomitant use of deferiprone and myelosuppressive agents whenever possible. If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor the absolute neutrophil count more closely. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine (Live): Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine (Live). Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase adverse/toxic effects of Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine (Live). Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Risk X: Avoid
Denosumab: May increase immunosuppressive effects of Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents). Management: Consider the risk of serious infections versus the potential benefits of coadministration of denosumab and immunosuppressants. If combined, monitor patients for signs/symptoms of serious infections. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Deucravacitinib: May increase immunosuppressive effects of Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents). Risk X: Avoid
DexAMETHasone (Systemic): May increase thrombogenic effects of Lenalidomide. Management: Due to the increased risk of venous and arterial thromboembolism associated with this combination, thromboprophylaxis is recommended, and the choice of regimen should be based on an assessment of the patient's underlying risks. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Digoxin: Lenalidomide may increase serum concentration of Digoxin. Risk C: Monitor
Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents: May increase thrombogenic effects of Lenalidomide. Risk C: Monitor
Estrogen Derivatives: May increase thrombogenic effects of Lenalidomide. Risk C: Monitor
Etrasimod: May increase immunosuppressive effects of Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents). Risk X: Avoid
Fexinidazole: Myelosuppressive Agents may increase myelosuppressive effects of Fexinidazole. Risk X: Avoid
Filgotinib: May increase immunosuppressive effects of Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents). Risk X: Avoid
Inebilizumab: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase immunosuppressive effects of Inebilizumab. Risk C: Monitor
Influenza Virus Vaccines: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Influenza Virus Vaccines. Management: Administer influenza vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to initiating immunosuppressants if possible. If vaccination occurs less than 2 weeks prior to or during therapy, revaccinate at least 3 months after therapy discontinued if immune competence restored. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Leflunomide: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase immunosuppressive effects of Leflunomide. Management: Increase the frequency of chronic monitoring of platelet, white blood cell count, and hemoglobin or hematocrit to monthly, instead of every 6 to 8 weeks, if leflunomide is coadministered with immunosuppressive agents. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Linezolid: May increase myelosuppressive effects of Myelosuppressive Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Mumps- Rubella- or Varicella-Containing Live Vaccines: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Mumps- Rubella- or Varicella-Containing Live Vaccines. Mumps- Rubella- or Varicella-Containing Live Vaccines may increase adverse/toxic effects of Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents). Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Risk X: Avoid
Nadofaragene Firadenovec: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase adverse/toxic effects of Nadofaragene Firadenovec. Specifically, the risk of disseminated adenovirus infection may be increased. Risk X: Avoid
Natalizumab: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase immunosuppressive effects of Natalizumab. Risk X: Avoid
Ocrelizumab: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase immunosuppressive effects of Ocrelizumab. Risk C: Monitor
Ofatumumab: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase immunosuppressive effects of Ofatumumab. Risk C: Monitor
Olaparib: Myelosuppressive Agents may increase myelosuppressive effects of Olaparib. Risk C: Monitor
Pembrolizumab: May increase adverse/toxic effects of Thalidomide Analogues. Specifically, mortality may be increased when this combination is used for treatment of refractory multiple myeloma. Risk X: Avoid
Pidotimod: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Pidotimod. Risk C: Monitor
Pimecrolimus: May increase immunosuppressive effects of Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents). Risk X: Avoid
Pneumococcal Vaccines: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Pneumococcal Vaccines. Risk C: Monitor
Poliovirus Vaccine (Live/Trivalent/Oral): Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Poliovirus Vaccine (Live/Trivalent/Oral). Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase adverse/toxic effects of Poliovirus Vaccine (Live/Trivalent/Oral). Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Risk X: Avoid
Polymethylmethacrylate: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase hypersensitivity effects of Polymethylmethacrylate. Management: Use caution when considering use of bovine collagen-containing implants such as the polymethylmethacrylate-based Bellafill brand implant in patients who are receiving immunosuppressants. Consider use of additional skin tests prior to administration. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Promazine: May increase myelosuppressive effects of Myelosuppressive Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Rabies Vaccine: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Rabies Vaccine. Management: Complete rabies vaccination at least 2 weeks before initiation of immunosuppressant therapy if possible. If combined, check for rabies antibody titers, and if vaccination is for post exposure prophylaxis, administer a 5th dose of the vaccine. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Rilonacept: Anti-TNF Agents may increase adverse/toxic effects of Rilonacept. Risk X: Avoid
Ritlecitinib: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase immunosuppressive effects of Ritlecitinib. Risk X: Avoid
Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b: Myelosuppressive Agents may increase myelosuppressive effects of Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b. Management: Avoid coadministration of ropeginterferon alfa-2b and other myelosuppressive agents. If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for excessive myelosuppressive effects. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Ruxolitinib (Topical): Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase immunosuppressive effects of Ruxolitinib (Topical). Risk X: Avoid
Sipuleucel-T: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Sipuleucel-T. Management: Consider reducing the dose or discontinuing the use of immunosuppressants prior to initiating sipuleucel-T therapy. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate (S1P) Receptor Modulators: May increase immunosuppressive effects of Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents). Risk C: Monitor
Tacrolimus (Topical): Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase immunosuppressive effects of Tacrolimus (Topical). Risk X: Avoid
Talimogene Laherparepvec: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase adverse/toxic effects of Talimogene Laherparepvec. Specifically, the risk of infection from the live, attenuated herpes simplex virus contained in talimogene laherparepvec may be increased. Risk X: Avoid
Tertomotide: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Tertomotide. Risk X: Avoid
Tofacitinib: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase immunosuppressive effects of Tofacitinib. Risk X: Avoid
Typhoid Vaccine: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Typhoid Vaccine. Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase adverse/toxic effects of Typhoid Vaccine. Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Risk X: Avoid
Ublituximab: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase immunosuppressive effects of Ublituximab. Risk C: Monitor
Upadacitinib: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase immunosuppressive effects of Upadacitinib. Risk X: Avoid
Vaccines (Live): Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines (Live). Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase adverse/toxic effects of Vaccines (Live). Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Risk X: Avoid
Vaccines (Non-Live/Inactivated/Non-Replicating): Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Vaccines (Non-Live/Inactivated/Non-Replicating). Management: Give non-live/inactivated/non-replicating vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of immunosuppressants when possible. Patients vaccinated less than 14 days before or during therapy should be revaccinated at least 3 months after therapy is complete. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Vedolizumab: Anti-TNF Agents may increase adverse/toxic effects of Vedolizumab. Risk X: Avoid
Yellow Fever Vaccine: Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Yellow Fever Vaccine. Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase adverse/toxic effects of Yellow Fever Vaccine. Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Risk X: Avoid
Zoster Vaccine (Live/Attenuated): Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may increase adverse/toxic effects of Zoster Vaccine (Live/Attenuated). Specifically, the risk of vaccine-associated infection may be increased. Immunosuppressants (Miscellaneous Oncologic Agents) may decrease therapeutic effects of Zoster Vaccine (Live/Attenuated). Risk X: Avoid
Verify pregnancy status prior to therapy. Patients who could become pregnant should be treated only if they are able to comply with the conditions of the Lenalidomide REMS program. Patients who could become pregnant must avoid pregnancy beginning 4 weeks prior to therapy, during therapy, during therapy interruptions, and for at least 4 weeks after therapy is discontinued. Two negative pregnancy tests (sensitivity of at least 50 milliunits/mL) are required prior to starting lenalidomide treatment. The first test must be done 10 to 14 days prior to therapy, and the second within 24 hours prior to beginning therapy; additional pregnancy testing must be done weekly during the first 4 weeks, and every 4 weeks (every 2 weeks for patients with irregular menstrual cycles) thereafter. Lenalidomide must be immediately discontinued for a missed period, abnormal pregnancy test, or abnormal menstrual bleeding; refer patient to a reproductive toxicity specialist if pregnancy occurs during treatment. False-positive pregnancy tests have been reported during lenalidomide therapy (Castaneda 2018; Helm 2021).
Two forms of effective/reliable contraception (eg, tubal ligation, IUD, hormonal birth control methods, male latex or synthetic condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap) or total abstinence from heterosexual intercourse must be used unless the patient is infertile or has had a hysterectomy.
Lenalidomide is also present in semen. Patients (including those vasectomized) with partners who could become pregnant should use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with patients who could become pregnant, during lenalidomide treatment, during treatment interruptions, and for 4 weeks after discontinuation. Patients should not donate sperm during, for 4 weeks after treatment, and during lenalidomide therapy interruptions.
Based on the mechanism of action and data from animal reproduction studies, in utero exposure to lenalidomide may cause fetal harm.
Use of lenalidomide is contraindicated in pregnant patients. Lenalidomide is a thalidomide analogue, which is known to cause severe, life-threatening human birth defects. Exposure to lenalidomide during pregnancy may cause birth defects or embryo-fetal death. Discontinue immediately if pregnancy occurs during treatment.
Data collection to monitor outcomes following exposure to lenalidomide during pregnancy, including pregnant partners of male patients, is ongoing. Any suspected fetal exposure should be reported to the FDA via the MedWatch program (1-800-FDA-1088) and to the REM Call Center (1-888-423-5436).
It is not known if lenalidomide is present in breast milk.
Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed infant, breastfeeding is not recommended by the manufacturer.
CBC with differential (mantle cell lymphoma - weekly for the first cycle, every 2 weeks during cycles 2 to 4 and monthly thereafter; myelodysplastic syndrome - weekly for first 8 weeks and at least monthly thereafter; multiple myeloma - weekly for the first 2 cycles, every 2 weeks during the third cycle and monthly thereafter; follicular and marginal zone lymphoma – weekly for the first 3 weeks in cycle 1 and every 2 weeks in cycles 2 to 4 and monthly thereafter; also monitor as clinically indicated); renal function (eg, serum creatinine), LFTs (periodically). Thyroid function tests (TSH at baseline then every 2 to 3 months during lenalidomide treatment [Hamnvik 2011]). ECG when clinically indicated. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection (if neutropenic), bleeding or bruising, hepatotoxicity, secondary malignancies, thromboembolism (eg, shortness of breath, chest pain, arm or leg swelling), dermatologic toxicity, tumor lysis syndrome, or hypersensitivity. Monitor for tumor flare reaction in patients with mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and/or marginal zone lymphoma. Monitor for development of second primary malignancies. Monitor adherence.
Patients who could become pregnant: Pregnancy test 10 to 14 days and 24 hours prior to initiating therapy, weekly during the first 4 weeks of treatment, then every 2 to 4 weeks through 4 weeks after therapy discontinued.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening and management provisional clinical opinion (ASCO [Hwang 2020]) recommends HBV screening with hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core antibody, total Ig or IgG, and antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen prior to beginning (or at the beginning of) systemic anticancer therapy; do not delay treatment for screening/results. Detection of chronic or past HBV infection requires a risk assessment to determine antiviral prophylaxis requirements, monitoring, and follow-up.
Lenalidomide has immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic, and antineoplastic characteristics via multiple mechanisms. It selectively inhibits secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (potent inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion); enhances cell-mediated immunity by stimulating proliferation of anti-CD3 stimulated T cells (resulting in increased IL-2 and interferon gamma secretion); inhibits trophic signals to angiogenic factors in cells. Inhibits the growth of myeloma, myelodysplastic, and lymphoma tumor cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and cell death. The addition of lenalidomide to rituximab increases antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma and increases tumor cell apoptosis in follicular lymphoma (compared to rituximab alone).
Protein binding: ~30%.
Half-life elimination: 3 to 5 hours.
Time to peak, plasma: MDS or myeloma patients: 0.5 to 6 hours.
Excretion: Urine (~82%; as unchanged drug).
Altered kidney function: The half-life is increased 3-fold in moderate (CrCl 30 to 49 mL/minute) to severe (CrCl <30 mL/minute) kidney impairment and increased ~4.5-fold in hemodialysis patients, compared to healthy patients. There is a 66% to 75% decrease in drug clearance in patients with moderate (CrCl 30 to 49 mL/minute) and severe (CrCl <30 mL/minute) kidney impairment compared with healthy subjects. Hemodialysis patients had an 80% decrease in drug clearance compared with healthy subjects.
