Lenalidomide is used with dexamethasone to treat patients with multiple myeloma who are not eligible for stem cell transplant.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells. Plasma cells mainly exist in the bone marrow. Plasma cells produce a protein called antibodies. Some antibodies may attack and kill the germs which are responsible for causing a disease. Patients with this type of cancer may have low blood cell counts and immune problems giving them a higher chance for getting infections such as pneumonia. The bones can be affected leading to bone pain and breaks (fractures).
Additionally, this multiple myeloma medication can be recommended in patients with transfusion-dependent anemia due to the low- or intermediate-1-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with a deletion 5q abnormality with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities.
Like all medicines, Lenalidomide 25 mg or any other strength can have side effects. The below mentioned are the most commonly reported side effects.
Very Common Side Effects: Infection of the nasal passages, constipation, joint pain, back pain, swelling of arms or legs, fever, cough, dizziness, difficulty breathing, headache, decrease in white blood cells, decrease in platelets, diarrhea, itchy skin, rash, tiredness, nausea, decrease in red blood cells, muscle cramp, infection of the pharynx, upper respiratory tract infection, nose bleed, lack or loss of strength, dry skin, abdominal pain, pain in arm or leg, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, loss of appetite, decrease in blood potassium level, swelling, bronchitis, difficulty sleeping, sinus infection, vomiting, night sweats, muscle pain.
Common Side Effects: The following are commonly reported side effects of lenalidomide: flatulence, pain, increased sweating, bruise, upper abdominal pain, loose stools, arm and/or leg swelling, acquired decreased thyroid activity, high blood pressure, difficult or painful urination, dry mouth, toothache, allergy (rhinitis), flu, decreased sensitivity to stimulation, ruptured blood vessels, skin redness, chest pain, rigors, foot pain, distortion of sense of taste, weight loss, loss of sensation in limbs, depression, decrease in blood magnesium level, infection under the skin, skin lesion, sensation of prickling, tingling, or creeping on the skin, heart palpitations, acute leukemia, hair loss, ear pain, dry eye, eye redness, eye pain.
Tell your healthcare professionals or pharmacist if you experience a side effect which is not listed above or any of the listed side effects that bother you or do not go away.