Lenalidomide Oral Capsule (LENALIDOMIDE - ORAL)

Lenalidomide Oral Capsule (LENALIDOMIDE - ORAL)

For treating cancer.

Brand Name(s): Revlimid

Generic Name: Lenalidomide

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Drink extra water while on this medicine. Adults should try to drink 6-8 cups (48 to 64 oz.) of water every day.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 12 hours to the next dose, do not take the dose. Return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Avoid touching any powder from an open or broken capsule. If the powder touches the skin, nose, or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

Always wash your hands after handling this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk for serious blood clots. Speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks from using this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

Women must use 2 reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 4 weeks after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use a condom during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 4 weeks after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.

Do not donate blood or sperm for at least 4 weeks after the last dose of this medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • decreased appetite
  • constipation or diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • dry mouth
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • headaches
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain
  • changes in taste or unpleasant taste

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • bleeding or bruising
  • chest or jaw pain
  • changes in memory, mood, or thinking
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • fainting
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • muscle cramps
  • muscle trembling
  • shakiness
  • shortness of breath
  • red, peeling or blistering skin
  • light colored stool
  • symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
  • excessive or unusual sweating
  • difficulty or discomfort urinating
  • blood in urine
  • sudden or unexplained weight gain

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.