This medication is used to treat cancer. Lenvatinib
belongs to a class of drugs known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It works
by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking lenvatinib and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the capsules whole. Do
not crush or chew the capsules. If you have trouble swallowing the capsules
whole, you may mix the capsules with water or apple juice. The amount of
liquid will depend on your dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more
detailed instructions.
If you are giving this medication through a feeding
tube, ask your health care professional for detailed instructions on how to
properly mix and give it.
Lenvatinib may have different packaging and different
dosage instructions based on your medical condition. To prevent dosage
errors, ask your pharmacist about proper use. The dosage is also based on
your response to treatment and lab tests. For the treatment of liver
cancer, the dosage is also based on your weight.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of serious side effects will increase.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
capsules.
Dry mouth, hoarseness, nose bleeds, tiredness, weight
loss, headache, muscle/joint pain, trouble sleeping, change in taste,
diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or loss of
appetite may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your
doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting
activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects
last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Vomiting or diarrhea that doesn't stop may result in
dehydration. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of
dehydration, such as unusual dry mouth/thirst, dizziness, or
lightheadedness.
To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice
chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva
substitute.
Pain or sores in the mouth and throat may occur. Brush
your teeth carefully/gently, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol,
and rinse your mouth often with cool water mixed with baking soda or salt.
It may also be best to eat soft, moist foods.
Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should
return after treatment has ended.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.
Your doctor may control your blood pressure with
medication.
Lenvatinib may cause low blood calcium levels. Your
doctor will check lab tests during treatment, and may direct you to take
calcium and vitamin D.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of new or worsening kidney problems (such as change in
the amount of urine, frothy urine)
- signs of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling
ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain)
- signs of an underactive thyroid (such as weight gain, cold
intolerance, slow heartbeat)
- muscle spasms
- redness/pain/swelling/blisters on the palms of your hands or
soles of your feet
- easy bleeding/bruising
- slow wound healing
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain,
shortness of breath, unusual sweating)
- signs of a stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body,
trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion)
- signs of stomach/intestinal problems (such as
bloody/black/tarry stools, stomach/abdominal pain, bloody vomit, vomit that
looks like coffee grounds)
- sudden/severe back pain
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
Lenvatinib may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal)
liver disease. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of
liver damage, including:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- loss of appetite
- stomach/abdominal pain
- yellowing eyes/skin
- dark urine
Lenvatinib may rarely cause a serious brain condition
called RPLS (reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome). Get
medical help right away if you have any symptoms of RPLS,
including:
- headaches that don't go away
- seizures
- sudden vision changes
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking lenvatinib, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- high blood pressure
- history of heart attack/stroke
- blood vessel problems (such as an aneurysm or a tear/break in
the aorta or other blood vessels)
- dehydration
Lenvatinib may cause a condition that affects the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely
fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using lenvatinib, tell your doctor or pharmacist of
all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your
doctor about using lenvatinib safely.
Some people taking lenvatinib may have serious jawbone
problems. Your doctor should check your mouth before you start this
medication. Tell your dentist that you are taking this medication before
you have any dental work done. To help prevent jawbone problems, have
regular dental exams and learn how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If
you have jaw pain, tell your doctor and dentist right away.
Before having surgery (especially dental procedures),
tell your doctor or dentist about this medication and all other products
you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
This medication may cause wounds to heal slowly or
poorly. Before having surgery, talk with your doctor about the risks and
benefits of this medication. Your doctor may tell you to temporarily stop
treatment with this medication at least 1 week before surgery. Ask your
doctor for specific instructions about when to stop and when to restart
treatment with lenvatinib. Tell your doctor right away if you have wounds
that are not healing well.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
capsules.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using lenvatinib. Lenvatinib
may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before
you start this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while
using this medication and for at least 30 days after the last dose. If you
become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and
benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for at least 1 week after the last
dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, EKG,
urine protein, kidney/liver/thyroid function, mineral levels in the blood)
should be done before and while you are taking this medication. Keep all
medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is less than 12 hours before the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take
your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.