What is Lenalidomide?
Lenalidomide belongs to a class of medications known as immunomodulatory agents. It is commonly used for treating:
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Multiple Myeloma
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Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
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Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)
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Follicular Lymphoma (off-label)
How It Works
Lenalidomide works by:
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Slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells
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Helping the immune system attack cancer cells
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Inhibiting blood flow to tumors
Available Strengths
✔ Lenalidomide 5mg
✔ Lenalidomide 10mg
✔ Lenalidomide 15mg
✔ Lenalidomide 25mg
Usage & Administration
Must be taken under the supervision of a certified oncologist. Dosage varies depending on the cancer type and patient’s health status.
Why Buy From Us?
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Certified by global oncology pharmacists
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WHO-GMP certified manufacturer
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Cold-chain packaging for sensitive medicines
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Fast delivery & secure checkout
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Authentic product sourcing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Lenalidomide in the Philippines
Understanding Lenalidomide and Its Use
1. What is Lenalidomide and what is it used for in the Philippines?
Lenalidomide is a potent immunomodulatory drug used to treat certain types of blood cancers. In the Philippines, it is primarily prescribed by hematologists and oncologists for conditions such as:
- Multiple Myeloma (MM)
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
- Certain types of Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)
2. How does Lenalidomide work against cancers like Multiple Myeloma?
Lenalidomide works in several ways: it helps the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells (immunomodulatory), it stops cancer cells from growing and multiplying (anti-proliferative), and it prevents tumors from forming new blood vessels (anti-angiogenic).
3. Is Lenalidomide considered a form of chemotherapy?
Lenalidomide is classified as a targeted therapy and an immunomodulatory agent. While it is a powerful cancer treatment, it is not a traditional chemotherapy drug. Its mechanism is more specific, which leads to a different set of side effects.
4. What are the common brand names of Lenalidomide available in the Philippines?
The original innovator brand is Revlimid®. Depending on availability and registration with the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), several high-quality generic versions may also be available through authorized distributors. Your oncologist will prescribe the appropriate and available brand for your treatment.
The Mandatory Pregnancy Prevention Program
5. What is the single most important warning associated with Lenalidomide?
The most critical warning is that Lenalidomide is extremely dangerous to an unborn baby and causes severe, life-threatening birth defects (teratogenicity). It is chemically similar to Thalidomide. Because of this risk, it is only available under a strict, mandatory risk management program.
6. What is the mandatory Risk Management or Pregnancy Prevention Program in the Philippines?
To receive Lenalidomide in the Philippines, both male and female patients must be enrolled in a special restricted distribution program. This program is designed to prevent fetal exposure to the drug and involves strict rules, counseling, and consent forms that must be followed by the patient, doctor, and pharmacy.
7. What are the requirements for female patients before starting Lenalidomide?
Female patients who can become pregnant must have two negative pregnancy tests before starting the medication. They must also undergo regular pregnancy testing during treatment and for a period after treatment ends.
8. What are the contraception requirements for both male and female patients?
- Females who can get pregnant must commit to using two reliable forms of birth control simultaneously, starting before treatment, continuing during treatment, and for a specified time after stopping the drug.
- Males must use a condom during any sexual contact with a pregnant female or a female who can become pregnant, as Lenalidomide is present in semen. This rule applies during treatment and for a period after treatment ends.
9. Can I donate blood or sperm while taking Lenalidomide?
No. You must not donate blood, sperm, or bone marrow while taking Lenalidomide and for at least one month after stopping the medication to prevent someone else from being exposed to it.
Side Effects and Safety Monitoring
10. What are the common side effects of Lenalidomide?
Common side effects include fatigue, constipation or diarrhea, low blood cell counts (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), rash, fever, and muscle cramps.
11. What is VTE (blood clots), and why is it a major risk with this drug?
Lenalidomide significantly increases the risk of developing Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), which are dangerous blood clots in the deep veins (Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT) or the lungs (Pulmonary Embolism – PE). Your doctor may prescribe a blood thinner to help prevent this.
12. How will my doctor in the Philippines monitor my blood counts?
Your oncologist will require you to have regular Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests, especially during the first few cycles of treatment, to monitor for neutropenia (low white blood cells) and thrombocytopenia (low platelets).
13. Can Lenalidomide increase my risk of developing other cancers?
Yes, there is an increased risk of developing new cancers, including other blood cancers (like acute myeloid leukemia – AML) or skin cancers. Your doctor will monitor you for this risk.
Treatment and Practical Information
14. How is Lenalidomide typically taken?
Lenalidomide is an oral capsule taken once a day, usually in 28-day cycles (e.g., taking it for 21 days and then stopping for 7 days). You must swallow the capsule whole with water and not break, chew, or open it.
15. What should I do if I miss a dose?
If it has been less than 12 hours since your scheduled dose, you can take it. If it has been more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time the next day. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed one.
16. Can I open or crush the Lenalidomide capsules?
No. The capsules must not be opened or crushed. If a capsule breaks, avoid contact with the powder. Wash any area of your skin that comes into contact with the powder thoroughly with soap and water.
17. How should I store the Lenalidomide capsules at home?
Store the capsules at room temperature in their original packaging, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep them in a secure location, safely out of the reach of children and others.
Access and Logistics in the Philippines
18. Who is qualified to prescribe and manage Lenalidomide in the Philippines?
Due to its risks and complexity, Lenalidomide can only be prescribed by a qualified and specially certified Hematologist or Medical Oncologist who is registered in the drug’s Risk Management Program.
19. Where can patients in the Philippines obtain Lenalidomide?
Lenalidomide is a specialty drug and is not available at regular local drugstores. It is dispensed only through certified specialty pharmacies or major hospital cancer centers in the Philippines that are part of the restricted distribution program.
20. How can patients check for financial assistance or PhilHealth coverage for Lenalidomide? The cost of Lenalidomide is high. Patients in the Philippines should:
- Inquire with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) about coverage under packages like the Z Benefit Package for Catastrophic Illnesses.
- Seek assistance from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
- Speak with the hospital’s social work department or the pharmaceutical company’s patient assistance program (if available) for financial support options.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Lenalidomide is a potent prescription medication with severe risks. It must only be used under the strict supervision of a qualified and certified healthcare professional.
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