Lenalidomide belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications called antineoplastics, and specifically to the group of antineoplastics known as immunomodulatory agents. It has several actions that reduce the growth of cancer cells and increases the activity of the body's defense system against the cancer cells.

Lenalidomide capsules should be taken at the same time each day and swallowed whole with a glass of water. It may be taken with or without food. The capsules should not be broken, chewed or opened.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome.
anxiety
back pain
bone pain
change in sense of taste
constipation
diarrhea
difficulty sleeping
dizziness
dry eyes
dry mouth
eye pain
fatigue
hair loss
headache
heartburn
increased sweating
irritability
itchy, red eyes
itchiness, rash
loss of appetite
mood changes
mouth sores
muscle pain
nausea and vomiting
tremor
weight changes
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
abdominal pain
confusion
fever or signs of infection (such as redness or swelling, sore throat, or coughing up mucus)
mouth sores
muscle weakness
persistent cough (cough that doesn't seem to go away)
persistent diarrhea (diarrhea that doesn't seem to go away)
signs of depression (feeling sad, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, weight changes, changes in sleep habits, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, thoughts of suicide)
signs of unusual infections (symptoms may include fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
swelling of feet or legs
symptoms of anemia (such as tiredness, weakness, pale skin, or fast or irregular heartbeat)
symptoms of liver problems (such as yellow eyes or skin, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, pale stools, itchy skin, or dark urine)
tingling or numbness in the hands and feet or muscle weakness that interferes with daily activities
vision changes (e.g., blurred vision)
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches, tiredness)
signs of blood clot formation (e.g., coughing blood, pains in chest, groin or leg, especially in calf of leg, weakness or numbness in arm or leg)
signs of heart problems (swollen ankles, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, decreased ability to exercise, increased heart rate)
symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face or throat)
symptoms of bleeding (including vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, dark or bloody stools, or blood in the urine)
symptoms of lung problems (such as coughing, shortness of breath, or wheezing)
signs of stroke (e.g., sudden or severe headache, sudden loss of coordination, sudden and unexplained shortness of breath, sudden slurring of speech, sudden vision changes)

There may be an interaction between lenalidomide and any of the following:
digoxin
estrogens and progestins (such as those found in birth control pills and hormone replacement therapies)
warfarin

If you suspect an overdose call the emergency department or your doctor immediately

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is within 12 hours of skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one

Lenalidomide is used to treat multiple myeloma (a type of leukemia) in patients who have received at least one other therapy. It is also used to treat anemia for patients with rare bone marrow disorders

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Blood clots: Lenalidomide increases the risk of developing blood clots in the legs and lungs. If you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, arm or leg pain, and swelling, contact your doctor immediately.
Blood counts: Lenalidomide can decrease the number of blood cells (white blood cells and platelets) in the body. Your doctor will perform tests regularly to measure your blood count while you are taking this medication.
Cardiovascular effects: This medication may have effects on the heart and circulatory (blood vessels) system. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, and other diseases of the heart and blood system should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: This medication is not expected to make you drowsy and impair your ability to drive or use machinery. However, it may make some people feel weak. Do not drive or use machinery if you feel weak.
Infections: Lenalidomide may increase the risk of infections. If you notice any signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness, contact your doctor immediately.
Kidney function: People with kidney problems should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: This medication must not be used during pregnancy because of the potential for it to cause serious birth defects. Women who take lenalidomide must use two methods of birth control during treatment with lenolidamide. Your doctor may ask you to do a pregnancy test before starting lenalidomide. If you become pregnant while taking lenalidomide, contact your doctor immediately.
Men who take lenalidomide must use a latex condom during sexual encounters with women who can become pregnant.
Breast-feeding: The safety of taking lenalidomide while breast feeding has not been determined. It is not known if lenalidomide passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding mothers should not use this medication.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.
Seniors: People over the age of 65 who take lenalidomide may be at increased risk of developing side effects associated with the heart and kidneys. Your doctor may want to monitor you more closely while you are taking this medic