Generic Name: lenalidomide
Drug Class: Immunotherapy Medications
Company: Celgene
Approval Status: Approved
Generic Version Available: No
Drug Indication
Revlimid is an immunomodulator approved for multiple myeloma in combination with dexamethasone, for follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphomain in combination with Rituxan (rituximab),
and as a single drug for myelodysplastic syndromes and mantle cell lymphoma.
General Info
Revlimid is an immunomodulatory drug related to thalidomide. It boosts immune function by stimulating T-cell and natural killer cell activity. In addition, it inhibits the growth of cancer cells and blocks development of blood vessels that feed tumors.
Clinical trials showed that Revlimid plus dexamethasone slows progression of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. It is also being studied for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Revlimid was first approved in 2005.
Dosage
Dosing Info:
Revlimid is a pill taken once daily for three weeks on and one week off until disease progression occurs.
Side Effects
Common side effects include fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, muscle and back pain, fever, swelling, insomnia and neuropathy (nerve damage). It can cause depletion of red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (neutropenia) and platelets (thrombocytopenia), which can lead to infections and easy bleeding. Potential serious side effects include deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), pulmonary embolism, heart attack, stroke, liver problems, severe skin reactions and tumor lysis syndrome (metabolic abnormalities that can occur when many cancer cells are killed at once). Like thalidomide, Revlimid can cause severe birth defects and should not be used by pregnant women or those who could become pregnant.
For More Info: https://www.revlimid.com
Co-Pay Program Info: https://www.celgenepatientsupport.com/
Patient Assistance Program Info: https://www.celgenepatientsupport.com/
Last Reviewed: May 30, 2019
