Revlimid is a prescription medication used to treat myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS, bone marrow that does not produce enough mature blood cells). Revlimid is also used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Revlimid belongs to a group of drugs called immunomodulary agents. It works by helping the bone marrow produce normal blood cells and killing abnormal cells in the bone marrow.
This medication comes in capsule form. It is usually taken once daily, with water. Swallow Revlimid capsules whole.
Common side effects include diarrhea, itching, and rash.
WARNING: FETAL RISK, HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, and DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS AND PULMONARY EMBOLISM
Do not use Revlimid during pregnancy. Revlimid, a thalidomide analogue, caused limb abnormalities in a developmental monkey study. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe life-threatening human birth defects. If Revlimid is used during pregnancy, it may cause birth defects or death to a developing baby. In women of childbearing potential, obtain 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting Revlimid treatment. Women of childbearing potential must use 2 forms of contraception or continuously abstain from heterosexual sex during and for 4 weeks after Revlimid treatment. To avoid fetal exposure to Revlimid, Revlimid is only available under a restricted distribution program called “Revlimid REMS” .
Information about the Revlimid REMS program is available at www.celgeneriskmanagement.com or [1] by calling the manufacturer’s toll-free number 1-888-423-5436.
Hematologic Toxicity (Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia). Revlimid can cause significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Eighty percent of patients with del 5q myelodysplastic syndromes had to have a dose delay/reduction during the major study. Thirty-four percent of patients had to have a second dose delay/reduction. Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity was seen in 80% of patients enrolled in the study. Patients on therapy for del 5q myelodysplastic syndromes should have their complete blood counts monitored weekly for the first 8 weeks of therapy and at least monthly thereafter. Patients may require dose interruption and/or reduction. Patients may require use of blood product support and/or growth factors.
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Revlimid has demonstrated a significantly increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with multiple myeloma who were treated with Revlimid and dexamethasone therapy. Patients and physicians are advised to be observant for the signs and symptoms of thromboembolism. Patients should be instructed to seek medical care if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or arm or leg swelling. It is not known whether prophylactic anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy prescribed in conjunction with Revlimid may lessen the potential for venous thromboembolic events. The decision to take prophylactic measures should be done carefully after an assessment of an individual patient’s underlying risk factors.
