Lenalidomide Sandoz, 7.5 mg, hard capsules
Lenalidomide
Lenalidomide Sandoz contains the active substance lenalidomide and belongs to a group of medicines that affect the immune system.
Lenalidomide Sandoz is used in adults to treat:
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that occurs when a certain type of white blood cell, called plasma cells, grows uncontrollably. These cells accumulate in the bone marrow and divide uncontrollably. This can lead to bone and kidney damage. In principle, multiple myeloma is incurable. However, it is possible to significantly alleviate or eliminate the symptoms of the disease for a time. This condition is called "remission". New multiple myeloma - in patients after bone marrow transplantation Lenalidomide Sandoz is used alone (without other medicines) for maintenance treatment in patients who have achieved a suitable condition after bone marrow transplantation. New multiple myeloma - in patients who cannot undergo bone marrow transplantation Lenalidomide Sandoz is taken with other medicines, including: bortezomib (a chemotherapy medicine), dexamethasone (an anti-inflammatory medicine), melphalan (a chemotherapy medicine), and prednisone (an immunosuppressive medicine). The patient starts treatment by taking Lenalidomide Sandoz with additional medicines, and then continues treatment with Lenalidomide Sandoz alone. If the patient is 75 years old or older, or has moderate or severe kidney function impairment, the doctor will perform thorough examinations before starting Lenalidomide Sandoz. Multiple myeloma - in patients receiving previous treatment Lenalidomide Sandoz is taken with the anti-inflammatory medicine dexamethasone. Lenalidomide Sandoz may stop the worsening of multiple myeloma symptoms. It has also been shown to delay the recurrence of multiple myeloma after treatment.
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of different blood and bone marrow diseases. There are abnormal blood cells that do not function properly. Patients may experience various subjective and objective symptoms, including a low number of red blood cells (anemia), the need for blood transfusions, and the risk of infections. Lenalidomide Sandoz is used alone to treat adult patients with MDS, if all of the following conditions are met: the patient has anemia that requires regular blood transfusions ("transfusion-dependent anemia"); the patient has a cytogenetic abnormality in the bone marrow cells called "isolated deletion 5q", which means that the patient's body does not produce enough healthy blood cells; the patient has previously received other treatments that were not effective or were not suitable. Taking Lenalidomide Sandoz may lead to an increase in the number of healthy blood cells produced by the body, by reducing the number of abnormal cells. This may lead to a reduction in the number of blood transfusions required. It is possible that transfusions will no longer be needed.
MCL is a cancer of the immune system (lymphoid tissue). It attacks a type of white blood cell called B lymphocytes or B cells. Mantle cell lymphoma is a disease characterized by uncontrolled growth of B lymphocytes, resulting in their accumulation in lymphoid tissue, bone marrow, or blood. Lenalidomide Sandoz is used alone to treat adult patients who have previously received other medicines.
Follicular lymphoma is a slow-growing malignant tumor that attacks B lymphocytes. It is a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections. In patients with follicular lymphoma, there may be an accumulation of too many B lymphocytes in the blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. Lenalidomide Sandoz is taken with another medicine called "rituximab" to treat adult patients with previously treated follicular lymphoma.
The medicine works by affecting the immune system and directly attacking cancer cells. Its mechanism of action includes: inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, inhibiting the formation of blood vessels in the tumor, and stimulating part of the immune system to attack cancer cells.
If any of the above situations apply to the patient, she should not take Lenalidomide Sandoz. In case of doubts, consult a doctor.
Before taking Lenalidomide Sandoz, discuss with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if: you have had blood clots in the past, as you have an increased risk of developing blood clots in veins and arteries; you have any symptoms of infection, such as cough or fever; you have or have had a viral infection, especially hepatitis B virus, varicella-zoster virus, or HIV. If in doubt, consult a doctor. Taking Lenalidomide Sandoz may cause the virus to reactivate, leading to a recurrence of the infection. The doctor should check if the patient has had hepatitis B virus in the past. you have kidney function impairment - the doctor may adjust the dose of Lenalidomide Sandoz; you have had a heart attack, have had a blood clot, smoke, have high blood pressure, or high cholesterol levels; you have had an allergic reaction after taking thalidomide (another medicine used to treat multiple myeloma), such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing; you have had a combination of any of the following symptoms in the past: widespread rash, redness of the skin, high body temperature, flu-like symptoms, elevated liver enzyme activity, blood abnormalities (eosinophilia), enlarged lymph nodes - these are symptoms of a severe skin reaction called drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) or "drug hypersensitivity syndrome" (see also section 4 "Possible side effects").
If any of the above situations apply to the patient, she should tell her doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before starting treatment. The patient should immediately consult a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if she experiences any of the following at any time during or after treatment: vision disturbances, loss of vision, or double vision, difficulty speaking, weakness in the arm or leg, change in gait, or balance disturbances, persistent numbness, decreased sensation, or loss of sensation, memory loss, or disorientation. These may be symptoms of a severe and potentially life-threatening brain disease called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). If the patient has had such symptoms before treatment with lenalidomide, she should inform her doctor of any changes. shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or swelling of the feet or ankles. These may be symptoms of a severe condition called pulmonary hypertension (see section 4).
Tests and examinationsBefore starting treatment with Lenalidomide Sandoz and during treatment, the patient will undergo regular blood tests, as this medicine may cause a decrease in the number of blood cells that help fight infection (white blood cells) and those that help blood clot (platelets). The doctor will order blood tests: before treatment, every week for the first 8 weeks of treatment, and then at least once a month. Patients with MDS taking Lenalidomide Sandoz If the patient has myelodysplastic syndromes, there is an increased risk of developing a severe disease called acute myeloid leukemia. Additionally, it is not known how Lenalidomide Sandoz affects the likelihood of developing acute myeloid leukemia. Therefore, the doctor may perform tests and check for symptoms that can help predict the risk of acute myeloid leukemia during treatment with Lenalidomide Sandoz. Patients with MCL taking Lenalidomide Sandoz The doctor will ask for a blood test: before treatment, every week for the first 8 weeks (2 cycles) of treatment, then every 2 weeks in cycles 3 and 4 (more information is provided in section 3 "Treatment cycle"), then at the beginning of each cycle, and at least once a month. Patients with follicular lymphoma taking Lenalidomide Sandoz The doctor will ask for a blood test: before treatment, every week for the first 3 weeks (1 cycle) of treatment, then every 2 weeks in cycles 2 to 4 (more information is provided in section 3 "Treatment cycle"). Then at the beginning of each cycle, and at least once a month. Before starting treatment with lenalidomide and during treatment, the patient may undergo an assessment for circulation and breathing problems. The doctor may perform a test to check if the patient has a large amount of tumor tissue in the body, including in the bone marrow. This can lead to a condition in which the tumor tissue breaks down, causing an abnormal increase in the levels of various chemicals in the blood and potentially leading to kidney failure (this condition is called "tumor lysis syndrome"). The doctor may examine the patient's skin to check for changes, such as red spots or rash. The doctor may adjust the dose of Lenalidomide Sandoz or interrupt treatment based on the results of the patient's blood tests and overall condition. If the disease has been recently diagnosed, the doctor may also assess treatment taking into account the patient's age and other existing conditions.
Do not donate blood during treatment and for at least 7 days after its completion.
Lenalidomide Sandoz is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
If the patient is 75 years old or older, or has moderate or severe kidney function impairment, the doctor will perform thorough examinations before starting treatment.
Tell your doctor or nurse about all medicines you are taking or have recently taken, as Lenalidomide Sandoz and some other medicines may affect each other's action. In particular, tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking any of the following medicines or products: certain contraceptives, such as oral contraceptives, as they may lose their effectiveness; certain heart medicines, such as digoxin; certain blood-thinning medicines, such as warfarin.
PregnancyInformation for women taking Lenalidomide Sandoz Do not take Lenalidomide Sandoz if you are pregnant, as it may harm the fetus. Women of childbearing age must not become pregnant while taking Lenalidomide Sandoz. Therefore, they must use effective methods of contraception (see "Contraception"). If you become pregnant while taking Lenalidomide Sandoz, stop treatment immediately and inform your doctor. Information for men taking Lenalidomide Sandoz If your partner becomes pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is recommended that your partner consult a doctor. You must also use effective contraception methods (see "Contraception").
BreastfeedingDo not breastfeed while taking Lenalidomide Sandoz, as it is not known whether it passes into breast milk. ContraceptionInformation for women taking Lenalidomide Sandoz Before starting treatment, ask your doctor if you can become pregnant, even if you think it is unlikely. If you are of childbearing age: you will have pregnancy tests under medical supervision (before each treatment, at least every 4 weeks during treatment, and at least 4 weeks after treatment completion), unless your doctor confirms that your fallopian tubes have been cut and blocked to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus (tubal sterilization) AND you must use effective methods of contraception for at least 4 weeks before starting treatment, during treatment, and for at least 4 weeks after treatment completion. Your doctor will recommend appropriate contraception methods. Information for men taking Lenalidomide Sandoz Lenalidomide Sandoz passes into human semen. If your partner is pregnant or may become pregnant and is not using effective contraception, you must use condoms during treatment and for at least 7 days after treatment completion, even if you have had a vasectomy. During treatment and for at least 7 days after treatment completion, you must not donate sperm.
If you experience dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, a feeling of spinning, or blurred vision after taking Lenalidomide Sandoz, do not drive or operate machinery.
If you have been told that you have an intolerance to some sugars, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. The medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per capsule, which is considered "sodium-free".
Lenalidomide Sandoz must be administered by medical personnel experienced in the treatment of multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, mantle cell lymphoma, or follicular lymphoma.
Take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you are taking Lenalidomide Sandoz with other medicines, read the leaflets of those medicines to learn about their use and action.
Lenalidomide Sandoz is taken on specific days during a 3-week period (21 days).
OR Lenalidomide Sandoz is taken on specific days for 4 weeks (28 days).
Before starting treatment, your doctor will tell you: how much Lenalidomide Sandoz to take; how many other medicines (if any) to take with Lenalidomide Sandoz; on which days of the cycle to take each of these medicines.
To remove a capsule from the blister: press the capsule only on one side and push it through the foil; do not press on the center of the capsule, as this may damage it.
Lenalidomide Sandoz is used in treatment cycles, each lasting 21 or 28 days (see above "Treatment cycle"). Treatment should be continued until the doctor recommends stopping it.
If you have taken more capsules than you should, consult your doctor immediately.
If you miss a dose of Lenalidomide Sandoz at the usual time: if it has been less than 12 hours since then, take the capsule immediately; if it has been more than 12 hours since then, do not take the missed capsule. Take the next dose at the usual time the next day.
If you have any further doubts about taking this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, Lenalidomide Sandoz can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Lenalidomide Sandoz may cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells that fight infection and platelets that help blood clot, which may lead to bleeding disorders, such as nosebleeds and bruising. Lenalidomide Sandoz may also cause blood clots in veins (thrombosis).
In a small number of patients, another type of cancer may develop, and it is possible that the risk of its development is higher during treatment with Lenalidomide Sandoz. Therefore, before prescribing this medicine, the doctor will carefully weigh the benefits and risks of treatment. Very commonside effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
Commonside effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Uncommonside effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
Rareside effects (frequency cannot be estimated from available data)
If you experience any side effects, including those not listed in this leaflet, tell your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. Side effects can be reported directly to the Department of Drug Safety Monitoring of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products: Al. Jerozolimskie 181C, 02-222 Warsaw, tel.: +48 22 49 21 301, fax: +48 22 49 21 309, website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl Side effects can also be reported to the marketing authorization holder. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Store the medicine out of sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the blister and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month stated. There are no special storage precautions. Do not use the medicine if it is damaged or if the packaging is broken. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer needed. This will help protect the environment.
The capsule has a matte white body and a matte yellow cap, approximately 18.0 mm in length, marked with "L9NL" and "7.5". The hard capsules are packaged in blisters of OPA/Aluminum/PVC/Aluminum foil. Pack sizes: blisters of OPA/Aluminum/PVC/Aluminum foil: packs containing 21 hard capsules. Single-dose blisters of OPA/Aluminum/PVC/Aluminum foil: packs containing 21 x 1 hard capsule.
Sandoz GmbH Biochemiestrasse 10 6250 Kundl, Austria
Synthon Hispania, S.L. C/ Castelló no1, Pol. Las Salinas Sant Boi de Llobregat 08830 Barcelona, Spain Synthon BV Microweg 22 6545 CM Nijmegen, Netherlands Salutas Pharma GmbH Otto-von-Guericke-Allee 1 39179 Barleben, Germany
Sandoz Polska Sp. z o.o. ul. Domaniewska 50 C 02-672 Warsaw tel. 22 209 70 00 Date of last revision of the leaflet:06/2023 Sandoz logo
Need help understanding this medicine or your symptoms? Online doctors can answer your questions and offer guidance.