Revlimid (lenalidomide) is an "immunomodulatory agent," meaning it works by regulating the immune system. It appears to work in several ways, including inhibiting the formation of blood vessels, which tumors use to get nutrients needed to survive and grow.
Revlimid (lenalidomide) also enhances the status of the immune system and decreases cytokine and growth factor production (substances capable of stimulating cell proliferation and wound healing) that the cancer cells need to grow and survive, causing cell death. This is done by binding to cereblon and directing the CRL4–CRBN E3 ligase (which regulates the disposal of proteins) toward the transcription factors Ikaros and Aiolos to cause their degradation. Proteins that play a key role in the B-cell differentiation process (in which the cells can evolve into plasma cells), survival of malignant cells, regulation of the aberrant myeloma-specific gene (indirectly regulated by Aiolos), and reduction of the proliferation of cancer killer immune cells, like natural killer T cells, and CD4+ T cells (a process which is also indirectly regulated by Aiolos).
Available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg capsules for oral administration.
Take at the same time every day. Swallow the capsules whole; do not break, chew or open the capsules. Skip the missed dose if it has been more than 12 hours since your regular time.
Take with or without food. High-fat meals decrease absorption, but not to a clinically significant extent. If you touch a broken capsule or come into contact with the medicine inside, wash the area with soap and water.
The FDA and EU approve lenalidomide for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma (MM) in combination with dexamethasone.
It is also indicated as maintenance therapy in multiple myeloma following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT).
The most common side effects of lenalidomide in people with multiple myeloma include:
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For more information, go to www.revlimid.com
Date last updated: 6/14/22
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