Lenvima

The active ingredient in Lenvima is lenvatinib mesylate, which is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The mechanism of action involves blocking the activity of enzymes known as tyrosine kinases. These enzymes can be found in certain receptors in cancer cells. By blocking tyrosine kinases, Lenvima stops the formation of new blood vessels, cuts off the blood supply to cancer cells, and reduces their growth.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Lenvima. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Lenvima:

• Take Lenvima at the same time every day, with or without food.
• To achieve the full dose, you may need to take a combination of capsules containing varying quantities (strengths) of Lenvima.
• Swallow the capsule whole, without crushing, chewing, breaking, or opening it.
• If you are unable to swallow a capsule whole, dissolve it in water as follows
• Pour 1 tablespoon of water/apple juice into a small glass.
• Pour only enough capsules for one dose into the drink. Let the capsules dissolve for at least 10 minutes.
• Drink the concoction right away. Add a little additional water or juice to the glass, swirl gently, and drink immediately.
• Lenvima can also be administered via a feeding tube. Read and carefully follow any instructions for use that come with your medicine. If you don't understand these directions, ask your doctor or chemist.
• When using Lenvima, you should pay extra attention to good oral care. Brush and floss your teeth daily.
• If you plan to have surgery or a dental operation, inform the surgeon or dentist that you are currently taking Lenvima. You may need to stop taking the medication at least one week before a scheduled surgery or dental procedure.

Some mild and common side effects of Lenvima seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Decreased appetite.
• Constipation.
• Nose bleeds.
• Abdominal pain or gastrointestinal pain.
• Urinary tract infection.
• Weight loss.
• Low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia).
• Chest pain.
• Severe headaches.
• Dysphonia (hoarse voice).
• Tiredness.
• Hypothyroidism (reduced thyroid function).
• Joint pain (arthralgia).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Lenvima. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Adverse reactions to Lenvima, such as hives, shortness of breath, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, should be reported to your healthcare provider, and you should seek emergency medical attention.
• Some people who use Lenvima have developed a perforation (hole or tear) or a fistula (an irregular channel) in their stomach or intestines.
• Blurred vision or eye pain. These may be symptoms of a rare and serious brain condition called reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS).
• Stomatitis (inflammation of the lining of the mouth).
• Blood clots in your blood vessels.
• Wound healing problems.
• Severe jawbone issues (osteonecrosis).
• Proteinuria (protein in the urine).
• Prolonged QT interval (a type of arrhythmia).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Lenvima. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Lenvima, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Heart attack or cardiac dysfunction.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Heart failures or strokes.
• Bleeding issues.
• A perforation (hole or rip) in your stomach or intestine.
• A fistula is an abnormal channel between sections of the body.
• A seizure disorder.
• A recent operation, or if you intend to have surgery or a dental procedure.
• Kidney problems.
• Renal impairment or renal failure.
• Liver function disorders.

There are no contraindications with Lenvima.

Lenvima often begins working between 2 and 6 months after treatment begins, although the exact duration can vary based on the cancer type, stage, individual patient health, and treatment approach. Clinical studies had patients taking the drug for an average of 6 to 16 months, though it can be continued for longer.

When Lenvima is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Albuterol.
• Dexamethasone.
• Famotidine.
• Ondansetron.
• Prednisone.
• Zofran.

Lenvima dosing varies by cancer type: for thyroid cancer, the typical adult dose is 24 mg orally once daily; for renal cell carcinoma, 20 mg daily with pembrolizumab for first-line treatment or 18 mg daily with everolimus if previously treated; for hepatocellular carcinoma, 8 mg daily if under 60 kg and 12 mg daily if 60 kg or more; and for endometrial carcinoma, 20 mg daily with pembrolizumab every 3 weeks. In all circumstances, treatment will continue until there is disease progression or there is unacceptable toxicity.

If you miss a dose, and your next dose is due within 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Eisai Co., Ltd. is the company that manufactures Lenvima.

There are no generic versions available of Lenvima.

You should not discontinue Lenvima (lenvatinib) on your own. If side effects or concerns arise, your doctor may reduce the dose, pause treatment, or stop it entirely, depending on your situation. Stopping suddenly without medical supervision could have an impact on how successfully your cancer is handled. The safest option is to discuss it with your oncologist, who will determine whether and how therapy should be lowered or discontinued.

Lenvatinib may harm an unborn child. You may require a negative pregnancy test before beginning this treatment. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication and for at least 30 days following the last dose.

Pregnancy may be less likely to occur if the mother or father is using Lenvima. Women should continue to use birth control to prevent conception since lenvatinib can harm an unborn child.

Do not breastfeed while using Lenvima or for at least one week following the last dose.