HomeMedicines from India › Lenakast (Lenalidomide) 25 mg, 30 capsules

Lenakast (Lenalidomide) 25 mg, 30 capsules: profile, composition and research

Reference page for Lenakast (Lenalidomide) 25 mg, 30 capsules. Active substance: Леналидомид / Lenalidomide.

In short

Key facts

Active substanceLenalidomide
FormCapsules
Strength25 mg per capsule
Pack size30 capsules
CategoryPrescription medicine
Article (SKU)LENK-25-30
Lenakast (Lenalidomide) 25 mg, 30 capsules
Price, availability and delivery terms: on the pharmacy site
View at APV Pharmacy

What lenalidomide is

Lenalidomide is a substance that acts on tumour cells and on the immune system at the same time. It is chemically close to thalidomide, but its profile was deliberately reworked to reduce part of the unwanted effects and widen its use in haematology.

The substance is included in regimens for malignant blood diseases. It comes as capsules, which suits the long courses that can run for months under medical supervision.

Each pack contains 30 capsules of 25 mg. The strength and the pack size are listed above; the dose itself and the length of treatment are set individually.

How lenalidomide works

The intracellular target

The substance binds to cereblon, a protein that forms part of the cell's system for tagging unwanted proteins. As a result the set of proteins the cell destroys changes.

Tumour growth factors

Among the proteins broken down faster are transcription factors that keep tumour cells multiplying. The cell loses part of its signal to divide.

The immune response

Lenalidomide strengthens T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, that is the body's own immune cells directed against the tumour.

Tumour blood supply

A separate side of its action is the suppression of new vessel formation that feeds tumour tissue.

Approved uses

The prescribing information describes two main directions. The first is multiple myeloma, a tumour of the plasma cells of the bone marrow. The second is myelodysplastic syndromes, in which the formation of blood cells is disturbed.

Among the myelodysplastic syndromes, cases with a deletion of the long arm of chromosome 5 are singled out; in this group lenalidomide is used particularly often.

The medicine is given within combinations or as maintenance therapy rather than as a self-chosen option. The decision belongs to a haematologist or oncologist, based on examination results.

Lenalidomide affects blood formation, so blood counts are checked regularly during treatment and therapy is adjusted accordingly.

What to keep in mind

Lenalidomide can cause severe birth defects. It is therefore not used in pregnancy, and a confirmed negative test is required before treatment starts. Reliable contraception is needed for the duration of therapy.

Serious risks include a fall in blood cell counts, infections, venous thrombosis and thromboembolism. A physician may prescribe prevention of these complications.

Rash, fatigue, digestive symptoms and swelling are also possible. Any new symptom should be reported to a doctor.

The medicine may be dispensed only on lawful grounds and on a physician's prescription. Using such medicines on one's own is not acceptable.

Published research

Primary sources, verified against PubMed:

Listed for reference. Publication of a study is not a claim about this particular product.

Precautions

Frequently asked

Is Lenakast a prescription medicine?

Yes. It is a prescription antineoplastic medicine and must not be used on one's own.

Why does this page not give a dosing schedule?

In blood diseases the regimen is chosen individually and depends on the diagnosis, the patient's condition and test results. The dose and duration are set by a physician.

Can it be taken during pregnancy?

No. Lenalidomide is contraindicated in pregnancy and requires reliable contraception during treatment.

Where does the order ship from?

Shipping and customs handling are described on the APV Pharmacy delivery page.

Important. This page is reference material and is not medical advice or instruction for use. The product is prescription-only: medical supervision and laboratory monitoring are required. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.