Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia

Lenvatinib - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Advertisement

Information about Lenvatinib

Generic Name : Lenvatinib
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Lenvatinib are provided here.

Understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


Trade Names/Brand Names of Lenvatinib

India :


Lenvima

Why is Lenvatinib Prescribed? (Indications)

Lenvatinib belongs to a group of medications called kinase inhibitors. It is prescribed for the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer which has spread to the distant parts of the body and cannot be treated with radioactive iodine. It is also used in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer along with another drug everolimus after another cancer treatment. It inhibits certain tyrosine kinases and thereby controls the cancer.

When should Lenvatinib not be taken? (Contraindications)

Lenvatinib should be avoided in patients who are allergic to the drug, with high blood pressure, severe kidney or liver problems, heart problems or cardiac failure or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What is the dosage of Lenvatinib?

The recommended oral dose of lenvatinib is 24mg to be taken once daily. In case of patients with severe kidney or liver problems, a reduced dose of 10 mg for kidney cancer and 14mg for thyroid cancer should be taken once daily.

How should Lenvatinib be taken?

Lenvatinib comes in the form of a capsule to be taken orally by mouth either with or without food. Follow the instructions and dose as directed by the physician. Since it can cause vomiting, it is usually taken along with an anti-emetic medication.

What are the warnings and precautions for Lenvatinib?

• Do not take the drug if you are planning to become pregnant as the drug is capable of decreasing the fertility in men and women.

• Blood pressure should be monitored regularly while taking the drug as it can cause hypertension.

• Discontinue the drug if there is liver failure or nephrotic syndrome.

• Do not use the drug if there is any gastrointestinal perforation or life threatening fistula.

• Discontinue the drug if there is any signs of neurologic symptoms which may indicate reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS). RPLS is characterized by symptoms of headache, seizures, confusion and loss of vision.

• Do not use the drug if there is any bleeding problem or heart problems like irregular heartbeats and heart failure.

What are the side effects of Lenvatinib?

General: Fever, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, hair loss
Respiratory: Shortness of breath, cough, nose bleeding (epistaxis)
Skin: Rashes, redness, itching or peeling of the skin
Digestive Tract: Nausea, decreased appetite, mouth sores, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, liver problems resulting in jaundice and light-colored stools, perforation in the digestive tract.
Cardiovascular system: Heart problems, swelling of the feet, high blood pressure, formation of blood clots, bleeding, and altered electrical activity of the heart (called QT prolongation)
Central Nervous System: Seizures, headache, changes in vision due to a condition called reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS).
Endocrine System: Changes in thyroid stimulating hormone level.
Fluid and Electrolyte Abnormalities: Dehydration, altered levels of potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Female Reproductive System: Heavy menstrual bleeding.
Urinary System: Increased protein in urine, urine infection, kidney failure.

What are the other precautions for Lenvatinib?

While taking lenvatinib, do not breastfeed your baby to avoid harmful side effects.

What are the Drug Interactions of Lenvatinib?

The patient should be monitored if the patient takes lenvatinib along with drugs like amiodarone, procainamide, disopyramide, quinidine and sotalol due to possible cardiac complications.

What are the storage conditions for Lenvatinib?

Store the medicine in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Protect it from excess heat and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Advertisement
Recommended Reading