Lenalidomide Capsule 25 mg - Life Care Drugs and Medicines

💊 DESCRIPTION

Lenalidomide 25 mg is an oral immunomodulatory and antineoplastic agent, derived from thalidomide, and used primarily to treat certain hematologic malignancies. It has enhanced potency with reduced side effects compared to thalidomide.

Formulation: Capsule
Strength: 25 mg
Route: Oral
Drug Class: Immunomodulatory drug (IMiD)
Therapeutic Uses:
- Multiple Myeloma (MM) (in combination with dexamethasone)
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) with deletion 5q
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)
- Follicular and marginal zone lymphomas (off-label or based on protocol)

✅ ADVANTAGES

Oral administration for ease of use
Multiple mechanisms of action (immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic, cytotoxic)
High efficacy in relapsed/refractory and maintenance settings
Reduces tumor burden and delays disease progression
Often used in combination regimens with dexamethasone or other agents
Well tolerated in many patients with manageable side effects

🌿 NATURE & MECHANISM

Immunomodulatory:
- Stimulates T-cell and NK-cell activity
- Reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α)
Antiangiogenic:
- Inhibits blood vessel formation within tumors
Antiproliferative:
- Promotes tumor cell apoptosis
Targets cereblon (CRBN), part of an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, causing degradation of transcription factors needed for cancer cell survival

⚠️ PRECAUTIONS

Pregnancy Warning:
- Highly teratogenic — contraindicated during pregnancy
- Must follow pregnancy prevention programs (REMS)
Thromboembolism Risk:
- High when combined with steroids or chemotherapy
- May require aspirin or anticoagulation prophylaxis
Bone Marrow Suppression:
- Risk of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia
- Regular CBC monitoring required
Infection Risk:
- Immune suppression increases risk of serious infections
Secondary Malignancy:
- Risk increased with prolonged use
Renal Impairment:
- Requires dose adjustment
Do not open/cut/crush capsules – hazardous to skin and mucous membranes

🧊 STORAGE

Store at 15°C–30°C (room temperature)
Keep in original container/blister pack
Protect from light and moisture
Keep out of reach of children

👨‍⚕️ PATIENT ADVICE

Avoid pregnancy – use two effective contraception methods during and after treatment
Men must also use condoms (due to drug presence in semen)
Do not donate blood or sperm while on treatment and for 4 weeks after
Take exactly as prescribed – usually once daily, with or without food
Report immediately:
- Signs of clotting (leg swelling, chest pain)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Infection signs (fever, sore throat)
- Shortness of breath or fatigue
Do not miss doses; if missed, follow doctor’s advice—do not double dose
Regular blood tests are necessary during therapy
Avoid alcohol and consult doctor before taking new medications

📦 PACKAGING

Primary packaging:
- Blister strip or bottle with Lenalidomide 25 mg capsules
- Capsules are marked with strength and identification code
Secondary packaging:
- Outer carton with product labeling, usage guide, and warning symbols
Warning Labels:
- “Cytotoxic agent – handle with care”
- “Do not use if pregnant or planning pregnancy”
- Often includes REMS information in countries like the U.S.