What Is Lenalid 5 Mg?
Lenalid 5 mg containing Lenalidomide, is a prescription drug meant for treating blood cancer of various types along with bone marrow disorders. It modulates the immune function and acts as a neoplastic medicine, where it targets and destroys the newly developed blood vessels supporting tumour growth by modulating the immune system of the body. The drug is primarily indicated for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma, Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Lymphomas.
β― Manufacturer:
Natco Pharma Ltd from India is the primary marketer of the brand, Lenalid 5 Mg. However, Dr. Reddyβs Lab from India manufactures a generic equivalent of the brand, named Lenangio.
β― Composition And Appearance:
- Active Ingredient: Lenalidomide is the primary ingredient in the medicine that acts in modulating the immune system and is also an antineoplastic ingredient.
- Inactive Ingredients: Among the inactive ingredients, there are Lactose Anhydrous that acts as a filler, Microcrystalline Cellulose that acts as a binder, and Croscarmellose Sodium that acts in the disintegration of the drug for rapid release.
- Appearance: Approximately 18cm in length, the medicine comes in a capsule form and its colour is off-white.
β― Onset Of Action:
- Absorption time: Around 1 hour after taking a dose.
- Elimination Half-Life: 3-4 hours for patients with proper renal function.
- Steady State: Usually 4th day of regular dosing.
How Does Lenalid 5 Mg Work?
- Immune Modulation: Target anti cancer cells by enhancing T-Cells and NK Cell Mediated-immunity.
- Resists New Blood Vessels: The new blood vessels to support the tumours are resisted and inhibited from growing.
- Bone Marrow regulation: Helps the body to produce healthy and normal blood cells by suppressing the bone marrowβs abnormal cell production.
The doctor may prescribe Lenalid 5 mg to treat specific conditions, such as:
β― Multiple myeloma
β― Certain bone marrow disorders
β― Other blood-related health conditions as advised by a specialist
Dosage Of Lenalid 5 Mg
- Initial Dose: 25 mg, once each day from day 1 to 21.
- Alternative Dose: 10mg taken daily once for 28 days but combining with other protocols like dexamethasone.
- Food Preference: There is no food preference for the drug. You can take it before or after a meal, but continue the same pattern, whichever you fix.
Benefits Of Lenalid 5 Mg
Reduce Disease Progression: Several studies showed that Lenalidomide reduces disease progression significantly.
Improved OS: Provides improved Overall Survival when used as a maintenance therapy.
Reduce Bone Breakdown: It reduces the bone breakdown due to tumour by inhibiting VEGF and through the modulation of cytokines.
Drug Interactions:
Digoxin Plasma Concentration: taking Lenalidomide with Digoxin can increase plasma exposure that can lead to toxicity. Hence, needs a periodical check of the digoxin plasma concentration.
Myelosuppressive: Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia can exacerbate when myelosuppressive drugs are taken with Lenalidomide.
Hormonal Replacement Therapy: Use of Lenalidomide with HRT can increase risks related to venous thromboembolic events, such as Pulmonary Embolism or Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Oral Contraceptives: Women must be very much careful and must use high doses of contraceptives for birth regulation while undergoing treatment with Lenalidomide.
Side Effects:
Common side Effects:
- Hematologic Effect: Bone marrow suppression is common. This can increase bleeding and the chances of infection.
- Anaemia: RBC reduction is also a common side effect that results in pale skin along with dizziness. Take a blood count increasing diet, especially some fish, vegetables, and fruits.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, constipation/diarrhoea, or abdominal cramping can be felt. Drink adequate water and also take the medicine with a light meal.
- Skin rashes and Muscle spasms: Additional pain in the joints and back can also happen. Do not do excessive, laborious activities during the medication.
- Infections: You can experience infection in your respiratory tract, urinary tract, or bronchi. See a doctor before the condition becomes serious.
Serious Side Effects:
- Toxicity: Liver enzymes can be elevated, forming hepatotoxicity. Embryo toxicity can also happen, for which the medicine is strictly prohibited during pregnancy or when you are planning for a pregnancy.
- Allergy: Severe allergic reactions can happen to some of the patients, though rarely seen. See a doctor immediately, as otherwise the situation can be out of control.
- Tumour flare: It is seen in patients with a heavy burden of tumour. Disclose to your doctor if you have lymphoma before taking the medicine.
- Thromboembolism: Deep vein thrombosis, myocardial infection or even a stroke can be seen in extreme cases.
Precautions and Warnings:
- Pregnancy warning: A pregnant woman must not take Lenalid 5 Mg by any means. If engaged in intercourse, high dose of a contraceptive pill is essential. The pill can cause Embryo-fatal Toxicity and that can lead to birth defects in the baby. Therefore, for pregnant women, the drug is strictly prohibited.
- Male Sexual Engagement: Never try to bear a child within 7 days of taking the medicines. Always use condoms during the medication. Donation of blood must be restricted to 4 weeks and for sperm donation, 7 days gap from the final dose is essential to avoid contamination.
- Blood Clotting: Issues like blood clotting (thromboembolism) can happen in some patients that lead to Pulmonary embolism or Deep Vein Thrombosis. Aspirin-like prescription can control the condition.
- Bone Marrow Suppression: Neutropenia and low platelet count can be serious outcomes, and they need close monitoring throughout the treatment.
- Safe Handling: The capsule contains powder inside, which must not come into contact with the eye or skin. If the powder accidentally comes out, immediately wash with a medicated soap.
- Pregnancy: Never use the drug when you are pregnant. It can cause serious birth defects in the baby and the embryo. Also, use high-dose contraceptives when you are engaged in sexual activities during the medication.
- Severe Allergy: If you are highly allergic to Lenalidomide, then strictly avoid taking the drug as it can cause conditions like TEN, SJS or DRESS.
Storage And Disposal:
- Storage: Store the drug in a cool, dry place. Avoid moisture, putting it into cars or near the sunlight.
- Safety: Keep the drug in a place safe from kids and pets. Do not allow the capsule to spill. If spilled, cover it with a moist cloth immediately.
- Dispose: Never break the capsule when you are disposing of the drug as it has crossed the expiry date. Better if you return all unused pills to the hospital and pharmacy, as wrong handling of the drug can be dangerous, even after expiry.
Where To Buy Lenalid 5 Mg In Australia?
Always buy Lenalid 5 Mg from an authentic store. You can try out Australiarxmeds, the authorized and certified online pharmacy in Australia. A guaranteed discount is ensured for each purchase from the store.
FAQs
What Must Be The Food Preference For The Drug Intake?
You can take the drug with or without food. If you are facing issues like nausea or diarrhoea, take it with light food. If facing issues like constipation, take it on an empty stomach.
What To Do If I Miss A Dose?
You have a spare 12-hour time to take the missed dose. If you cross the 12-hour time limit, skip the missed dose and go for the next dose.
Is There Any Regulation On Donating Blood Or Semen During The Medication?
Yes, there is a strict regulation in donating blood and semen. In case of blood donation, you will have to wait for 4 weeks after the final dosage. In case of semen donation, wait for 7 days after the final dosage.
Is There Any Restriction For Pregnancy As I Take Lenalid?
Lenalid can lead to a serious birth defect in an embryo. Hence, never take the drug when you are pregnant. Also, take high-calibre contraceptive pills if you engage in a sexual activity during the treatment.
Is There Any Other Serious Precautionary Measure?
Yes, manage the capsules with care. If by any means, the powder inside the pill comes out, wash your hands with clinical soaps, and never allow the powder to enter your eyes.


jaylen heaney –
Aquiles R. Sincere –