Lenalidomide Viatris (Lenalidomide)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Lenalidomide Viatris Used For?
Lenalidomide Viatris contains lenalidomide, which belongs to a group of medicines called immunomodulating agents. These medicines work by acting on the cells involved in your body’s immune system to help fight illness and infection.
Primary Uses
Lenalidomide Viatris is used to treat three main conditions: Multiple Myeloma (a cancer of the bone marrow), Myelodysplastic Syndromes (conditions where bone marrow doesn’t produce enough mature blood cells, specifically the deletion 5q type), and Mantle Cell Lymphoma (a cancer of the lymph tissue affecting B-lymphocytes).
How It Works
This medicine works by acting on the cells involved in your body’s immune system, which is part of your body’s defense system that helps fight illness and infection. For MDS patients, it may reduce the need for blood transfusions by helping your body produce healthier blood cells.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and will only be prescribed by a doctor who has experience in medicines to treat blood cancers.
How to Take Lenalidomide Viatris
Take Lenalidomide Viatris either one hour before or two hours after eating food. Swallow the capsules whole with water once daily as directed by your doctor. Never open, break, or chew the capsules.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will determine your specific dose and treatment schedule. For newly diagnosed Multiple Myeloma with other medicines, the usual starting dose is 25mg once daily. For MDS, it’s typically 10mg once daily. For Mantle Cell Lymphoma, it’s usually 25mg once daily. Treatment cycles vary – some are 21 days of a 28-day cycle, others are 14 days of a 21-day cycle, or continuous daily dosing.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose and it’s less than 12 hours before your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. If it’s more than 12 hours until your next dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your normal schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. If powder from inside the capsules contacts your skin, wash immediately and thoroughly with soap and water.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
- Itchiness, rash, dry skin, bruising, excessive sweating
- Dizziness, headache, weakness, night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping, depression, anxiety
- Back pain, muscle spasms, joint pain, feeling tired
- Swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of face, lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
- Heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Severe tiredness, headaches, looking pale
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms and legs
- Blurred vision or difficulty seeing
Important Warnings
Lenalidomide Viatris has serious warnings, especially regarding pregnancy and birth defects. It’s structurally related to thalidomide, which is known to cause severe birth defects and death to unborn babies.
Who Should Not Take Lenalidomide Viatris
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to lenalidomide or any ingredients, if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, or if you are able to become pregnant unless you follow the required pregnancy prevention measures.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: heart problems, blood clots, high blood pressure or cholesterol, frequent bleeding or bruising, frequent infections, hepatitis B, peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in hands/feet), thyroid problems, kidney or liver problems, or previous allergic reactions to thalidomide or lenalidomide.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
This medicine can cause severe birth defects or death to unborn babies. Women must use effective contraception for 4 weeks before, during, and 4 weeks after treatment, with regular pregnancy tests. Men must use barrier contraception during treatment and for 1 week after stopping. Do not donate sperm, blood, or breastfeed during treatment.
Pregnancy Prevention Program: This medicine is only available through a special pregnancy prevention program. You must be formally enrolled and comply with all requirements to receive this medication.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Lenalidomide Viatris and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Contraception Note: Combined oral contraceptive pills are not recommended as they can increase the risk of blood clots in Multiple Myeloma patients taking this medicine.
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
- Hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms
- Heart medications like digoxin
- Blood thinners like warfarin
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol and driving while taking Lenalidomide Viatris, as it can affect your ability to perform these activities safely.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Discuss any alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Lenalidomide Viatris may cause dizziness, tiredness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that could be dangerous if you experience these symptoms.
Storage
Keep your capsules in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Store them in the original package until it’s time to take them. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight – don’t store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above the ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Lenalidomide Viatris, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26, New Zealand: 0800 764 766), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you don’t feel unwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes for Lenalidomide Viatris to work varies depending on your condition and individual response. Your doctor will monitor your progress with regular blood tests and check-ups to see how well the medicine is working for you.
You should take Lenalidomide Viatris either one hour before or two hours after eating food. This timing helps ensure the medicine is absorbed properly by your body.
No, Lenalidomide Viatris is not addictive. This is specifically mentioned in the medication information.
Do not stop taking Lenalidomide Viatris or change the dose without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and may need to adjust your treatment gradually.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. It’s important to discuss any alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider while taking this medication.
If you miss a dose and it’s less than 12 hours before your next dose, skip the missed dose. If it’s more than 12 hours until your next dose, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Your doctor will do regular blood tests to make sure the medicine is working properly and to prevent unwanted side effects. Lenalidomide Viatris can affect your blood cell counts, so monitoring is essential for your safety.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.