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Quick facts
- Drug class
- Thalidomide Analog [EPC]
- How it is given
- oral
- Type
- human prescription drug
- RxNorm ID
- 602910
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
Lenalidomide is a thalidomide analogue indicated for the treatment of adult patients with: Multiple myeloma (MM), in combination with dexamethasone ( 1.1 ). MM, as maintenance following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) ( 1.1 ). Transfusion-dependent anemia due to low- or intermediate-1-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with a deletion 5q abnormality with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities ( 1.2 ). Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) whose disease has relapsed or progressed after two prior therapies, one of which included bortezomib ( 1.3 ). Previously treated marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), in combination with a rituximab product ( 1.5 ). Previously treated follicular lymphoma (FL), in combination with a rituximab product ( 1.4 ). Limitations of Use: Lenalidomide capsules are not indicated and are not recommended for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) outside of controlled clinical trials ( 1.6 ). 1.1 Multiple Myeloma Lenalidomide capsules in combination with dexamethasone are indicated for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Lenalidomide capsules are indicated as maintenance therapy in adult patients with MM following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT). 1.2 Myelodysplastic Syndromes Lenalidomide capsules are indicated for the treatment of adult patients with transfusion-dependent anemia due to low- or intermediate-1-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with a deletion 5q cytogenetic abnormality with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities. 1.3 Mantle Cell Lymphoma Lenalidomide capsules are indicated for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) whose disease has relapsed or progressed after two prior therapies, one of which included bortezomib. 1.4 Follicular Lymphoma Lenalidomide capsules in combination with a rituximab product, are indicated for the treatment of adult patients with previously treated follicular lymphoma (FL). […]
About this medicine
Lenalidomide, a thalidomide analogue, is an immunomodulatory agent with antiangiogenic and antineoplastic properties. The chemical name is 3-(4-amino-1-oxo 1,3-dihydro-2 H -isoindol-2-yl) piperidine-2,6-dione and it has the following chemical structure: 3-(4-amino-1-oxo 1,3-dihydro-2 H -isoindol-2-yl) piperidine-2,6-dione The empirical formula for lenalidomide is C 13 H 13 N 3 O 3 , and the gram molecular weight is 259.3. Lenalidomide is a cream to light yellow color powder. It is soluble in organic solvent/water mixtures, and buffered aqueous solvents. Lenalidomide is more soluble in organic solvents and low pH solutions. Solubility was significantly lower in less acidic buffers, ranging from about 0.4 to 0.5 mg/ml. Lenalidomide has an asymmetric carbon atom and can exist as the optically active forms S(-) and R(+), and is produced as a racemic mixture with a net optical rotation of zero. Lenalidomide is available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 25 mg capsules for oral administration. Each capsule contains lenalidomide as the active ingredient and the following inactive ingredients: anhydrous lactose. The capsule shell ingredients common to all strengths are gelatin and titanium dioxide. Additionally, the 20 mg capsule contains FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Yellow #6, and iron oxide yellow. Each capsule is printed with black ink, which includes black iron oxide, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, shellac, and strong ammonia solution. 1
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Lenalidomide is an analogue of thalidomide with immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic, and antineoplastic properties. Cellular activities of lenalidomide are mediated through its target cereblon, a component of a cullin ring E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme complex. In vitro , in the presence of drug, substrate proteins (including Aiolos, Ikaros, and CK1α) are targeted for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation leading to direct cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects. Lenalidomide inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of certain hematopoietic tumor cells including MM, mantle cell lymphoma, and del (5q) myelodysplastic syndromes, follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma in vitro . Lenalidomide causes a delay in tumor growth in some in vivo nonclinical hematopoietic tumor models including MM. Immunomodulatory properties of lenalidomide include increased number and activation of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells leading to direct and enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) via increased secretion of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma, increased numbers of NKT cells, and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-6) by monocytes. In MM cells, the combination of lenalidomide and dexamethasone synergizes the inhibition of cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis. The combination of lenalidomide and rituximab increases ADCC and direct tumor apoptosis in follicular lymphoma cells and increases ADCC in marginal zone lymphoma cells compared to rituximab alone in vitro .
Who should not take it
Pregnancy ( Boxed Warning , 4.1 , 5.1 , 8.1 ). Demonstrated severe hypersensitivity to lenalidomide ( 4.2 , 5.9 , 5.15 ). 4.1 Pregnancy Lenalidomide capsules can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female. Limb abnormalities were seen in the offspring of monkeys that were dosed with lenalidomide during organogenesis. This effect was seen at all doses tested. Due to the results of this developmental monkey study, and lenalidomide’s structural similarities to thalidomide, a known human teratogen, lenalidomide is contraindicated in females who are pregnant [see Boxed Warning ] . If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential risk to a fetus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 ), Use in Special Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 )] . 4.2 Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions Lenalidomide capsules are contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated severe hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) to lenalidomide [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 , 5.15 )] .
Warnings and cautions
Increased Mortality: serious and fatal cardiac adverse reactions occurred in patients with CLL treated with lenalidomide capsules ( 5.5 ). Second Primary Malignancies (SPM): Higher incidences of SPM were observed in controlled trials of patients with MM receiving lenalidomide capsules ( 5.6 ). Increased Mortality: Observed in patients with MM when pembrolizumab was added to dexamethasone and a thalidomide analogue ( 5.7 ). Hepatotoxicity: Hepatic failure including fatalities; monitor liver function. Stop lenalidomide capsules and evaluate if hepatotoxicity is suspected ( 5.8 ). Severe Cutaneous Reactions: Discontinue lenalidomide for severe reactions ( 5.9 ). Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) including fatalities: Monitor patients at risk of TLS (i.e., those with high tumor burden) and take appropriate precautions ( 5.10 ). Tumor flare reaction: Serious tumor flare reactions, including fatal reactions, have occurred during investigational use of lenalidomide capsules for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and lymphoma ( 5.11 ). Impaired Stem Cell mobilization: A decrease in the number of CD34+ cells collected after treatment (> 4 cycles) with lenalidomide has been reported. Consider early referral to transplant center ( 5.12 ). Early mortality in MCL: Higher rate of early deaths have occurred in patients with MCL ( 5.14 ). Hypersensitivity: Monitor patients for potential hypersensitivity. Discontinue lenalidomide for angioedema and anaphylaxis ( 5.15 ). 5.1 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Lenalidomide is a thalidomide analogue and is contraindicated for use during pregnancy. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes life-threatening human birth defects or embryo-fetal death [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . An embryo-fetal development study in monkeys indicates that lenalidomide produced malformations in the offspring of female monkeys who received the drug during pregnancy, similar to birth defects observed in humans following exposure to thalidomide during pregnancy. Lenalidomide capsules are only available through the Lenalidomide REMS program [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . […]
Reported side effects
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described in detail in other sections of the prescribing information: Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 )] Hematologic Toxicity [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Increased Mortality in Patients with CLL [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Second Primary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Increased Mortality in Patients with MM When Pembrolizumab Is Added to a Thalidomide Analogue and Dexamethasone [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Severe Cutaneous Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Tumor Flare Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Impaired Stem Cell Mobilization [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Thyroid Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Early Mortality in Patients with MCL [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.15 )] MM: Most common adverse reactions (≥20%) include diarrhea, fatigue, anemia, constipation, neutropenia, leukopenia, peripheral edema, insomnia, muscle cramp/spasms, abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, asthenia, pyrexia, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, nasopharyngitis, gastroenteritis, cough, rash, dyspnea, dizziness, decreased appetite, thrombocytopenia, and tremor ( 6.1 ). MDS: Most common adverse reactions (>15%) include thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, diarrhea, pruritus, rash, fatigue, constipation, nausea, nasopharyngitis, arthralgia, pyrexia, back pain, peripheral edema, cough, dizziness, headache, muscle cramp, dyspnea, pharyngitis, and epistaxis ( 6.1 ). Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL: MCL, FL or MZL): Most common adverse reactions (≥15%) included neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, leukopenia, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, fatigue, pyrexia, cough, upper respiratory tract infection, and rash ( 6.1 ). […]
Interactions with other medicines
Digoxin: Monitor digoxin plasma levels periodically due to increased C max and AUC with concomitant lenalidomide capsules therapy ( 7.1 ). Concomitant use of erythropoietin stimulating agents or estrogen containing therapies with lenalidomide capsules may increase the risk of thrombosis ( 7.2 ). 7.1 Digoxin When digoxin was co-administered with multiple doses of lenalidomide capsules (10 mg/day) the digoxin C max and AUC inf were increased by 14%. Periodically monitor digoxin plasma levels, in accordance with clinical judgment and based on standard clinical practice in patients receiving this medication, during administration of lenalidomide capsules. 7.2 Concomitant Therapies That May Increase the Risk of Thrombosis Erythropoietic agents, or other agents that may increase the risk of thrombosis, such as estrogen containing therapies, should be used with caution after making a benefit-risk assessment in patients receiving lenalidomide [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . 7.3 Warfarin Co-administration of multiple doses of lenalidomide capsules (10 mg/day) with a single dose of warfarin (25 mg) had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of lenalidomide or R- and S-warfarin. Expected changes in laboratory assessments of PT and INR were observed after warfarin administration, but these changes were not affected by concomitant lenalidomide capsules administration. It is not known whether there is an interaction between dexamethasone and warfarin. Close monitoring of PT and INR is recommended in patients with MM taking concomitant warfarin.
Use in specific groups
Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed ( 8.2 ). 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in females exposed to lenalidomide capsules during pregnancy as well as female partners of male patients who are exposed to lenalidomide capsules. This registry is also used to understand the root cause for the pregnancy. Report any suspected fetal exposure to lenalidomide capsules to the FDA via the MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 and also to the REMS Call Center at 1‐888‐423‐5436. Risk Summary Based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] and findings from animal studies [see Data] , lenalidomide can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated during pregnancy [see Boxed Warning , Contraindications ( 4.1 ), and Use in Specific Populations ( 5.1 )] . Lenalidomide is a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a human teratogen, inducing a high frequency of severe and life-threatening birth defects such as amelia (absence of limbs), phocomelia (short limbs), hypoplasticity of the bones, absence of bones, external ear abnormalities (including anotia, micropinna, small or absent external auditory canals), facial palsy, eye abnormalities (anophthalmos, microphthalmos), and congenital heart defects. Alimentary tract, urinary tract, and genital malformations have also been documented and mortality at or shortly after birth has been reported in about 40% of infants. Lenalidomide caused thalidomide-type limb defects in monkey offspring. Lenalidomide crossed the placenta after administration to pregnant rabbits and pregnant rats [see Data] . If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential risk to a fetus. If pregnancy does occur during treatment, immediately discontinue the drug. Under these conditions, refer patient to an obstetrician/gynecologist experienced in reproductive toxicity for further evaluation and counseling. […]
If too much is taken
There is no specific experience in the management of lenalidomide overdose in patients with MM, MDS, MCL, FL, or MZL. In dose-ranging studies in healthy subjects, some were exposed to up to 200 mg (administered 100 mg BID) and in single-dose studies, some subjects were exposed to up to 400 mg. Pruritus, urticaria, rash, and elevated liver transaminases were the primary reported AEs. In clinical trials, the dose-limiting toxicity was neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.
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This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 27 May 2026. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.