The correct way to take Lenalidomide

Lenalidomide is an important drug used to treat multiple myeloma (Multiple Myeloma), high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and other diseases. Proper administration is crucial to the efficacy and safety of the drug. Here are detailed instructions on how to take lenalidomide correctly:

1. Physician’s prescription: Patients must use lenalidomide according to their doctor’s prescription. Doctors will determine the appropriate dosage and treatment plan based on the patient's specific condition, age, physical condition, and other factors.

2. Oral Medication: Lenalidomide is an oral medication, usually available in capsule form. Patients should take medications as recommended and prescribed by their doctor.

3. Dosing time: Generally, lenalidomide should be taken at the same time every day, preferably at the same time point every day, which helps to maintain a stable drug concentration.

4. Food: Lenalidomide should usually be taken with food, which can reduce the occurrence of gastrointestinal discomfort. You can choose to take it with breakfast or dinner, but once you choose a time, it's best to keep it consistent throughout your treatment.

5. Do not break or chew capsules: Lenalidomide capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not break, chew, or open them to avoid releasing the drug too quickly or causing adverse reactions.

6. Avoid missing doses: Patients should try to avoid missing any doses. If they accidentally miss a dose, they should take the normal dose at the next dose time and do not try to double the dose to make up for the missed dose.

7. Drug concentration monitoring: During treatment, doctors may regularly monitor the patient's blood drug concentration to ensure that the drug reaches an effective concentration in the body. This helps tailor dosage to meet the patient's specific needs.

8. Follow medical advice: Patients must strictly follow their doctor's recommendations and instructions, including not stopping medication unless directed by their doctor.

9. Avoid pregnancy: For female patients, effective contraception should be used during treatment and for at least four weeks after treatment, as lenalidomide may cause fetal malformations. Male patients should also avoid sexual intercourse with pregnant women during treatment and for at least four weeks afterwards to reduce the risk of the fetus being exposed to potential drug residues.

10. Side effects and discomforts: Patients should pay close attention to any drug side effects or discomforts, such as infection symptoms, skin reactions, respiratory problems, etc., and report them to the doctor in time for timely intervention and management.

In summary, correct administration of lenalidomide is critical to the success of treatment and patient safety. Patients must use the medication under a doctor's supervision and follow the doctor's recommendations and prescriptions to ensure optimal therapeutic effects and minimize the risk of side effects.

Lenalidomide has been launched in China and has been included in medical insurance. Patients can purchase it domestically. The price is around 3,500~4,000 yuan. Due to different medical insurance policies in various places, the price also varies. Please consult your local pharmacy for specific prices. There are also original research drugs in China, but the price is as high as tens of thousands of yuan, so it is not recommended to buy them. The cheaper ones abroad are mainly generic drugs, including those from India, Bangladesh, and Laos, which cost about a few hundred yuan per box. The ingredients of foreign generic drugs and domestic lenalidomide drugs are basically the same.