What are the side effects of Lenalidomide?

Lenalidomide (Lenalidomide) is an effective drug used to treat multiple myeloma (Multiple Myeloma), high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and other diseases. However, like most medications, it can cause some side effects. Below is a detailed list of the main possible side effects of lenalidomide:

1. Immune system and infection-related side effects:

Infection: Lenalidomide may suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection. Patients should pay close attention to infection symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and cough, and notify their doctor in time.

Leukopenia: Medications may cause the number of white blood cells to drop, increasing the risk of infection. Doctors usually check their patients' blood regularly.

2. Anemia and bleeding tendencies:

Anemia: Lenalidomide may cause anemia, which may manifest as fatigue, weakness, dizziness and other symptoms.

Bleeding tendency: In some cases, drugs may cause bleeding tendencies, such as nosebleeds and gum bleeding. Patients should take care to avoid injury and promptly notify their doctor of any bleeding events.

3. Gastrointestinal side effects:

Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms are more common at the beginning of treatment but usually lessen over time.

Diarrhea: Some patients may experience diarrhea and should stay adequately hydrated to prevent dehydration.

Loss of appetite: Some patients may experience a loss of appetite.

4. Skin and mucous membrane side effects:

Skin reactions: including rash, itching, dry skin, etc. Some patients may experience severe skin reactions and need to notify their doctor promptly.

Oral ulcers: Sores or pain in the mouth may occur.

5. Nervous system side effects:

Headache: Some patients may experience headache.

Insomnia: Sleep problems such as difficulty falling or staying asleep.

6. Risk of thrombosis:

Thrombus formation: Lenalidomide may increase a patient's risk of blood clots. Patients should pay attention to thrombosis-related symptoms such as limb swelling, pain, and shortness of breath, and notify their doctor promptly.

7. Cardiovascular system side effects:

Hypertension: Some patients may develop high blood pressure, and doctors may monitor the patient's blood pressure and take appropriate measures.

Heart problems: In some cases, lenalidomide may cause heart problems, including irregular heartbeats. Patients need to undergo regular monitoring such as electrocardiograms.

8. Respiratory side effects:

Respiratory problems: including shortness of breath, sore throat, etc. If you have difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

9. Abnormal liver function:

Liver function impairment: Lenalidomide may cause abnormal liver function, manifested as jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, etc. Your doctor may need to monitor liver function.

10. Abnormal kidney function:

Kidney Impairment: In some cases, lenalidomide may cause abnormal kidney function. Your doctor may need to monitor kidney function.

Please note that the side effects listed above may not occur in every patient, and the severity of side effects varies among individuals. If patients experience any discomfort or suspected side effects while using lenalidomide, they should report it immediately to their doctor, who will take appropriate measures based on the situation, and may need to adjust the dose or take other treatment measures to manage the side effects.

It is important to emphasize that although lenalidomide may cause some side effects, it is still an effective treatment and can improve the condition of serious diseases such as multiple myeloma. Proper use under a doctor's supervision and paying close attention to potential side effects can help ensure treatment success and patient safety.

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.