Lenalidomide: how to take it safely
Revlimid
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats multiple myeloma, some blood conditions and some lymphomas.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow capsules whole with water. Do not open, crush or chew.
- Wash your hands well after touching the capsules.
- You will need regular blood tests.
When to take it
Take it once a day, at the same time, for the days your doctor says.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Pregnancy. It can cause severe birth defects. Women must have pregnancy tests and use strict contraception. Men must use condoms.
- Giving blood or sharing the capsules.
- Tell your doctor if you have had blood clots.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Tiredness, diarrhoea, constipation, rash, muscle cramps, low blood counts.
Get help if
A swollen painful leg, chest pain, breathlessness, sudden weakness, fever, signs of infection or unusual bleeding: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.