What is Lenvatinib? Uses, effects, side effects & warnings

What is Lenvatinib?

Lenvatinib is a kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of certain cancers. Enzyme inhibitors, known as kinase inhibitors, block the actions of one or multiple protein kinases.Lenvatinib can be used to treat cancer of the thyroid. This drug is usually given after radioactive iodine treatment has failed.Lenvatinib, Everolimus, and Afinitor are used to treat advanced renal cancer in cases where other medications have failed.Lenvatinib and pembrolizumab are used in combination to treat certain types of endometrial carcinoma, a form of uterine tumour that is too advanced for surgery or radiotherapy.Lenvatinib can also be used for liver cancers that are not surgically treatable.

Warnings

Lenvatinib can cause a fistula or perforation in the intestines or stomachs of some people. Seek emergency medical attention if your stomach hurts or you're feeling like you might choke or gag when eating or drinking.If you experience any of these serious side effects: chest pains, shortness of breath, swelling of your ankles or feet, numbness, weakness, or confusion; headaches or problems with vision or speech; seizures (convulsions); abnormal bleeding; blood in the urine or stools; sour or dark urine or stools; or yellowing of your skin or eyes, call your doctor immediately.

Before you take this drug

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that lenvatinib will be safe for you:

Long qt syndrome
Heart disease high blood pressure
A heart attack or heart failure
Headaches or visual problems
Bleeding problems;
A perforation is a tear or hole in the stomach or intestines.
A seizure disorder;
If you have recently had surgery or plan to undergo surgery or dental procedures,
Kidney disease
Liver disease.

Lenvatinib can cause jaw problems (osteonecrosis). People with cancer, blood-cell disorders, dental issues, and those treated with chemotherapy or radiation are at the highest risk. Your doctor can tell you about the risk that is unique to your situation.Lenvatinib can harm an unborn child. A negative pregnancy test may be required before you begin this treatment. You should use birth control during treatment and at least for 30 days following your last dose.This medicine may reduce the likelihood of pregnancy for either the mother or father. Men and women both should use birth control to avoid pregnancy, as the medication can harm an unborn child.Lenvatinib can affect the fertility of men and women. While either parent uses this medication, it may be difficult to get pregnant.You should not breastfeed for a week following your last dose of this medication or while you are using it.

How to take Lenvatinib?

Follow your doctor's instructions and take lenvatinib only as directed. Read all the instructions on the prescription label.Lenvatinib should be taken at the same dose every day.Lenvatinib will be tested by your doctor to ensure it is right for you.You may have to combine capsules containing different strengths of lenvatinib. Please follow your doctor's instructions for dosage.Do not open, crush, chew, or break the capsule.

You can dissolve capsules by soaking them in water.

Pour 1 teaspoon of apple juice or water into a small cup.
Only add enough capsules to make one dose of liquid. Stir the liquid for at least 3 minutes after the capsules have dissolved.
This mixture should be consumed immediately. Pour a bit more juice or water into the glass and swirl it gently. Then drink immediately.

Lenvatinib may also be administered through a feeding tube. Carefully read and follow all instructions for use that come with the medicine. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor.If you have severe diarrhoea or nausea, call your doctor. A prolonged illness may lead to renal failure or dehydration.Follow your doctor's advice about how to take medicine to stop diarrhoea when you use lenvatinib.Regular blood pressure and medical testing will be required.Take extra care with your oral hygiene when taking lenvatinib. Regularly brush and floss your teeth.Tell the dentist or surgeon that you are currently taking lenvatinib if you intend to undergo surgery. It may be necessary to discontinue the medication at least one week prior to a planned dental or surgical procedure.Keep away from heat and moisture at room temperature.Use any medicine that has not been used within the 24-hour period in a refrigerator. Do not throw away medicine that hasn't been used in 24 hours.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if the delay is more than 12 hours, you should skip that dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

If your doctor prescribes any restrictions on foods, drinks, or activities, follow their instructions.

Side effects of Lenvatinib

If you experience any of the following: itching, difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue, or hives, seek emergency medical attention.Lenvatinib can cause a fistula or perforation in the stomach and intestines. If you experience severe stomach pain or feel as if your intestines are being ripped apart, call your doctor.

Call your doctor immediately if:

Severe diarrhea;
Headache, confusion, change in mental status, vision loss, seizure (convulsions);
Urinating less can cause pain and burning.
Increased proteinuria (proteinuria)
Heartbeat irregularities;
Unusual bleeding is any bleeding that will not stop (such as a bleeding nose or menstrual bleeding).
A severe headache can cause blurred vision or a pounding sensation in the neck, ears, and/or head.
After dental treatment, you may experience jaw pain, numbness, or red gums. You might also notice loose teeth or slower healing.
Signs of stomach bleeding: bloody or tarry stool, coughing up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Heart problems: chest pain, jaw or shoulder pain, swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
Signs of a blood clot: sudden numbness, weakness, or problems with speech or vision;
Liver problems—dark urine, clay-coloured stools, yellowing of the skin and eyes; or
Low calcium level- muscle spasms and contractions; tingling or numbness (around the mouth or fingers or toes).

If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be delayed.

Lenvatinib may cause side effects such as:

Bleeding;
Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea;
Loss of appetite weight loss
Tests of abnormal thyroid function
Muscle or joint pain
Pain and burning after urinating;
You may experience swelling in your legs and arms.
Mouth sores;
Rash;
Redness, itching, or peeling of skin in your hands and feet
Headache, tiredness
Cough, difficulty breathing, hoarse vocalisation

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for thyroid cancer:

Take 24 mg once daily.
Comment:
The treatment should continue until the disease progresses or there are unacceptable toxic side effects.
Use: To treat patients with radioactive-iodine-resistant, locally or metastatic differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC).

Adult dose for renal cell carcinoma:

Take 18 mg once daily.
Comments:
This drug should be given with Everolimus 5mg.
Refer to the prescribing information for everolimus for information on the recommended dosage.
The treatment should continue until the disease progresses or there are unacceptable toxic side effects.
Combination with Everolimus in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma after one previous anti-angiogenic chemotherapy

Adult dose for hepatocellular carcinoma:

Weight less than 60kg: 8 mg once daily orally
Weight 60 kg and above: 12 mg once daily orally
Comment:
The treatment should continue until the disease progresses or there are unacceptable toxic side effects.
Patients with unresectable hepatocellular cancer (HCC)

Adult dose for endometrial cancer:

Take 20 mg once daily.
Comments:
This drug should be given with 200mg of pembrolizumab IV every three weeks.
Refer to the prescribing information for pembrolizumab for additional dosing instructions.
The treatment should continue until the disease progresses or there are unacceptable toxic side effects.
Use: Combination with pembrolizumab to treat patients with advanced endometrial cancer that does not have a microsatellite instability-high (MSIH) or mismatch-repair-deficient (dMMR) and who are progressing after prior systemic treatment but do not qualify for curative surgery or radiotherapy.

Interaction with other drug

Lenvatinib may cause serious heart problems. You may have a higher risk if you use other medications for depression, anxiety, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, HIV, and cancer.Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including osteoporosis medicines.Lenvatinib may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.