Lenvatinib

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Multi-Kinase Inhibitor	Lenvima®	Cancer-related

Lenvatinib - What is it for

Lenvatinib is used to treat thyroid, liver and kidney cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.

Lenvatinib - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Lenvatinib cause?

Increased blood pressure

Monitor your blood pressure regularly and record it down. Inform your doctor if you notice an increasing trend.

Feeling tired and lack of energy

Do not drive or operate machinery when you feel tired

Diarrhea

Drink plenty of clear fluids to replace those lost (two litres everyday)

Decreased appetite, nausea or vomiting

Take small, frequent meals throughout the day

Mouth sores or ulcers

Rinse your mouth after every meal using an alcohol-free mouthwash or salt water
Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush

Voice hoarseness
Stomach discomfort
Weight loss
Joint or muscle ache, headache

You may take paracetamol when necessary to help with this

Palms of the hands or soles of the feet may become numb, sore, red or dr

Moisturize these areas daily
Avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Abnormal heartbeat, chest pain or shortness of breath
Very bad swelling of hands, feet or lower legs
Dark urine or light coloured stools
Yellowing of your eyes or skin
Very bad diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or stomach pain
Pain while urinating
Abnormal muscle cramps or numbness
Unusual weakness, tiredness or lightheadedness
Unusual bleeding, bruising, black sticky stools or blood in urine
Symptoms of a drug allergy including one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Before taking Lenvatinib , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
You or your partners becomes pregnant or is planning for pregnancy

You should use effective birth control during and for at least one month after stopping treatment.

You are breastfeeding

Do not breastfeed during and for at least two weeks after stopping treatment

You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications, and herbal remedies
You have any other medical conditions (e.g. heart problems, high blood pressure)
You have any recent or upcoming surgery

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Lenvatinib ?

Avoid medications that are known to interfere with heart rhythms.

Lenvatinib - Dosage and How to Use

How should Lenvatinib be used?

Take Lenvatinib once a day. Take the exact dose that your doctor tells you to.
You may take it with or without food.
Do not break open or crush the capsules. Swallow the capsules whole.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 12 hours to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time.