Uses
Lenvatinib is used to treat a certain type of thyroid cancer that has returned or that has spread to other parts of the body and cannot be treated with radioactive iodine. Lenvatinib is also used along with everolimus (Afinitor, Zortress) to treat renal cell carcinoma (RCC, a type of cancer that begins in the kidney) in people who have previously received treatment with another chemotherapy medication. Lenvatinib is also used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; a type of liver cancer) that cannot be treated with surgery. Lenvatinib is also used along with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to treat a certain type of cancer of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) that has spread to other parts of the body or worsened during or after treatment with chemotherapy medications or that cannot be treated with surgery or radiation therapy. Lenvatinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop the spread of cancer cells.
Side Effects Of Lenvatinib
Lenvatinib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- fatigue or tiredness
- rash, redness, itching, or peeling of skin on palms and sole(s) of the feet
- nausea
- constipation
- heartburn
- decreased appetite
- weight loss
- change in the ability to taste food
- cough
- hoarseness
- mouth sores
- dry mouth
- headache
- joint and muscle pain
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- hair loss
- fever
- burning during urination
- rash
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- shortness of breath
- swelling of legs and ankles
- chest pain
- numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of your body
- pain in arms, back, neck, or jaw
- sudden, severe headache
- slow or difficult speech
- sudden changes in vision
- severe diarrhea
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- stomach pain
- dark (tea-colored) urine
- light-colored stools
- seizures
- weakness
- confusion
- severe and persistent nose bleeds
- bloody vomit
- black, tarry, or bloody stools
- coughing up blood or blood clots
- heavy menstrual bleeding
- vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of dehydration
- wounds that do not heal
Lenvatinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking lenvatinib:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lenvatinib, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in lenvatinib capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: certain medications for irregular heartbeat including amiodarone (Nexterone, Pacerone), disopyramide (Norpace), procainamide, quinidine (in Nuedexta), and sotalol (Betapace, Betapace AF, Sorine, Sotylize). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, high blood pressure, a stroke, a heart attack, headaches, changes in vision, especially those due to blood clots, a fistula (an abnormal connection between 2 organs inside your body or between an organ and the outside of your body), a tear in the wall of your stomach or intestine, QT interval prolongation (an irregular heart rhythm that can lead to fainting, loss of consciousness, seizures, or sudden death), heart failure, low levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium in your blood, bleeding problems, or heart, kidney, or liver disease. Also, tell your doctor if you have ever been treated with radiation therapy.
- you should know that lenvatinib may decrease fertility in men and women. However, you should not assume that you or your partner cannot become pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You will need to have a pregnancy test before you begin treatment with lenvatinib. If you can become pregnant, you should use birth control during your treatment with lenvatinib and for at least 4 weeks after your final dose. If you become pregnant while you are taking lenvatinib, call your doctor immediately. Lenvatinib may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed while taking lenvatinib
- tell your doctor if you are planning to have any surgery, including dental surgery. Your doctor will probably tell you to stop your treatment with lenvatinib at least 6 days before your scheduled surgery because it can affect wound healing. Your doctor will tell you when to start taking lenvatinib again after your surgery.
- you should know that your blood pressure may increase during your treatment with lenvatinib. Your doctor will probably monitor your blood pressure during your treatment.
Dosage Of Lenvatinib
Lenvatinib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily with or without food. Take lenvatinib at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lenvatinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not open, chew, or crush them.
If you are unable to swallow the capsules, put them into a small glass and add about one tablespoon of water or apple juice. Do not break or crush the capsules. Leave the capsules in the liquid for at least 10 minutes and then stir the contents for at least 3 minutes. Drink the mixture. After drinking the mixture, add another 1 tablespoon of water or apple juice to the glass. Swirl the contents a few times and swallow the mixture.
Your doctor may decrease your dose of lenvatinib or tell you to stop taking the medication for a time or permanently if you experience serious side effects. Be sure to talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment with lenvatinib.
The length of your treatment depends on how well you respond to the medication and the side effects you experience. Continue to take lenvatinib even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lenvatinib without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to lenvatinib.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
