Lenalidomide

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Lenalidomide, Revlimid

Brand Names: Lenalidomide, Revlimid
Drug Class: Thalidomide Analog [EPC]
Route: ORAL
Dosage Form: CAPSULE
Product Type: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY, HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, and VENOUS and ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Do not use lenalidomide capsules during pregnancy. Lenalidomide, 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 lenalidomide is used during pregnancy, it may cause birth defects or embryo-fetal death. In females of reproductive potential, obtain 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting lenalidomide treatment. Females of reproductive potential must use 2 forms of contraception or continuously abstain from heterosexual sex during and for 4 weeks after lenalidomide capsules treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), and Medication Guide ( 17 )] . To avoid embryo-fetal exposure to lenalidomide, lenalidomide capsules are only available through a restricted distribution program, the Lenalidomide REMS program ( 5.2 ). Information about the Lenalidomide REMS program is available at www.lenalidomiderems.com or by calling the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436. Hematologic Toxicity (Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia) Lenalidomide capsules 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 [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism Lenalidomide capsules have demonstrated a significantly increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), as well as risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with multiple myeloma who were treated with lenalidomide capsules and dexamethasone therapy. Monitor for and advise patients about signs and symptoms of thromboembolism. Advise patients to seek immediate medical care if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or arm or leg swelling. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended and the choice of regimen should be based on an assessment of the patient’s underlying risks [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY, HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, and VENOUS and ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY Lenalidomide, a thalidomide analogue, caused limb abnormalities in a developmental monkey study similar to birth defects caused by thalidomide in humans. If lenalidomide is used during pregnancy, it may cause birth defects or embryo-fetal death. Pregnancy must be excluded before start of treatment. Prevent pregnancy during treatment by the use of two reliable methods of contraception ( 5.1 ). Lenalidomide capsules are available only through a restricted distribution program, called the Lenalidomide REMS program ( 5.2 , 17 ). HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY . Lenalidomide capsules can cause significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia ( 5.3 ). VENOUS AND ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM Significantly increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), as well as risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with multiple myeloma receiving lenalidomide capsules with dexamethasone. Anti-thrombotic prophylaxis is recommended ( 5.4 ).

Description

11 DESCRIPTION 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

What Is Lenalidomide Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Lenalidomide is a thalidomide analogue indicated for the treatment of adult patients with: Multiple myeloma (MM), in combination with dexamethasone ( 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 ). 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). 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. 1.6 Limitations of Use Lenalidomide capsules are not indicated and are not recommended for the treatment of patients with CLL outside of controlled clinical trials [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] .

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION MM combination therapy: 25 mg once daily orally on Days 1 to 21 of repeated 28-day cycles. ( 2.1 ). MDS: 10 mg once daily ( 2.2 ). MCL: 25 mg once daily orally on Days 1 to 21 of repeated 28-day cycles ( 2.3 ). Renal impairment: Adjust starting dose based on the creatinine clearance value ( 2.6 ). For concomitant therapy doses, see Full Prescribing Information ( 2.1 , 14.1 ). 2.1 Recommended Dosage for Multiple Myeloma Lenalidomide Capsules Combination Therapy The recommended starting dose of lenalidomide capsules is 25 mg orally once daily on Days 1 to 21 of repeated 28-day cycles in combination with dexamethasone. Refer to Section 14.1 for specific dexamethasone dosing. For patients greater than 75 years old, the starting dose of dexamethasone may be reduced [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . Treatment should be continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. In patients who are not eligible for auto-HSCT, treatment should continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. For patients who are auto-HSCT-eligible, hematopoietic stem cell mobilization should occur within 4 cycles of a lenalidomide-containing therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] . Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities During MM Treatment Dose modification guidelines, as summarized in Table 1 below, are recommended to manage Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or other Grade 3 or 4 toxicity judged to be related to lenalidomide capsules. Table 1: Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities for MM Platelet counts Thrombocytopenia in MM When Platelets Recommended Course Days 1 to 21 of repeated 28-day cycle Fall below 30,000/mcL Interrupt lenalidomide capsules treatment, follow CBC weekly Return to at least 30,000/mcL Resume lenalidomide capsules at next lower dose. Do not dose below 2.5 mg daily For each subsequent drop below 30,000/mcL Interrupt lenalidomide capsules treatment Return to at least 30,000/mcL Resume lenalidomide capsules at next lower dose. Do not dose below 2.5 mg daily Absolute Neutrophil counts (ANC) Neutropenia in MM When Neutrophils Recommended Course Days 1 to 21 of repeated 28-day cycle Fall below 1,000/mcL Interrupt lenalidomide capsules treatment, follow CBC weekly Return to at least 1,000/mcL and neutropenia is the only toxicity Resume lenalidomide capsules at 25 mg daily or initial starting dose Return to at least 1,000/mcL and if other toxicity Resume lenalidomide capsules at next lower dose. Do not dose below 2.5 mg daily For each subsequent drop below 1,000/mcL Interrupt lenalidomide capsules treatment Return to at least 1,000/mcL Resume lenalidomide capsules at next lower dose. Do not dose below 2.5 mg daily 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Myelodysplastic Syndromes The recommended starting dose of lenalidomide capsules is 10 mg daily. Treatment is continued or modified based upon clinical and laboratory findings. Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity....

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS 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): Most common adverse reactions (≥15%) included neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, leukopenia, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, fatigue, pyrexia, cough, upper respiratory tract infection, and rash ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS contact Teva at 1-888-838-2872 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Newly Diagnosed MM – Lenalidomide Capsules Combination Therapy: Data were evaluated from 1613 patients in a large phase 3 study who received at least one dose of lenalidomide with low dose dexamethasone (Rd) given for 2 different durations of time (i.e., until progressive disease [Arm Rd Continuous; N=532] or for up to eighteen 28-day cycles [72 weeks, Arm Rd18; N=540] or who received melphalan, prednisone and thalidomide (Arm MPT; N=541) for a maximum of twelve 42-day cycles (72 weeks). The median treatment duration in the Rd Continuous arm was 80.2 weeks (range 0.7 to 246.7) or 18.4 months (range 0.16 to 56.7). In general, the most frequently reported adverse reactions were comparable in Arm Rd Continuous and Arm Rd18, and included diarrhea, anemia, constipation, peripheral edema, neutropenia, fatigue, back pain, nausea, asthenia, and insomnia. The most frequently reported Grade 3 or 4 reactions included neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, pneumonia, asthenia, fatigue, back pain, hypokalemia, rash, cataract, lymphopenia, dyspnea, DVT, hyperglycemia, and leukopenia. The highest frequency of infections occurred in Arm Rd Continuous (75%) compared to Arm MPT (56%). There were more grade 3 and 4 and serious adverse reactions of infection in Arm Rd Continuous than either Arm MPT or Rd18. In the Rd Continuous arm, the most common adverse reactions leading to dose interruption of lenalidomide were infection events (28.8%); overall, the...

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 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.

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS 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 )] .

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

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...

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE There is no specific experience in the management of lenalidomide overdose in patients with MM, MDS, or MCL. 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.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Lenalidomide capsules are available as follows: 2.5 mg – Each size 4 capsule with white cap and body printed with “NAT” on cap and “2.5mg” on body in black ink contains 2.5 mg of lenalidomide. 2.5 mg bottles of 28 (NDC 0480-1241-28) 5 mg – Each size 2 capsule with white cap and body printed with “NAT” on cap and “5mg” on body in black ink contains 5 mg of lenalidomide. 5 mg bottles of 28 (NDC 0480‐1242‐28) 10 mg – Each size 2 capsule with white cap and body printed with “NAT” on cap and “10mg” on body in black ink contains 10 mg of lenalidomide. 10 mg bottles of 28 (NDC 0480‐1243‐28) 15 mg – Each size 2 capsule with white cap and body printed with “NAT” on cap and “15mg” on body in black ink contains 15 mg of lenalidomide. 15 mg bottles of 21 (NDC 0480‐1244‐21) 20 mg – Each size 2 capsule with green cap and blue body printed with “NAT” on cap and “20 mg” on body in black ink contains 20 mg of lenalidomide. 20 mg bottles of 21 (NDC 0480-1245-21) 25 mg – Each size 2 capsule with white cap and body printed with “NAT” on cap and “25mg” on body in black ink contains 25 mg of lenalidomide. 25 mg bottles of 21 (NDC 0480‐1246‐21) 16.2 Storage Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. 16.3 Handling and Disposal Care should be exercised in the handling of lenalidomide capsules. Lenalidomide capsules should not be opened or broken. If powder from lenalidomide capsules contacts the skin, wash the skin immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. If lenalidomide contacts the mucous membranes, flush thoroughly with water. Procedures for the proper handling and disposal of anticancer drugs should be considered. Several guidelines on the subject have been published. 1 Dispense no more than a 28-day supply.

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.