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Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Fetal Risk

REVLIMID is a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes life-threatening human birth defects. An embryofetal development study in non-human primates indicates that lenalidomide produced malformations in the offspring of female monkeys who received the drug during pregnancy, similar to birth defects observed in humans following exposure to thalidomide during pregnancy. If REVLIMID is used during pregnancy, it may cause birth defects or death to a developing baby. Females of childbearing potential must be advised to avoid pregnancy while on REVLIMID. Two effective contraceptive methods should be used during therapy, during dose interruptions and for at least 4 weeks after completing therapy.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant females.

Reproductive Risk and Special Prescribing Requirements (RevAssist Program)

Because of this potential toxicity and to avoid fetal exposure, REVLIMID is only available under a special restricted distribution program called “RevAssist”. Prescribers and pharmacists registered with the program can prescribe and dispense the product to patients who are registered and meet all the conditions of the RevAssist program.

Please see the following information for prescribers, female patients, and male patients about this restricted distribution program.

RevAssist Program Description

Prescribers

REVLIMID can be prescribed only by licensed prescribers who are registered in the RevAssist program and understand the potential risk of teratogenicity if lenalidomide is used during pregnancy.

Effective contraception must be used by female patients of childbearing potential for at least 4 weeks before beginning REVLIMID therapy, during therapy, during dose interruptions and for 4 weeks following discontinuation of REVLIMID therapy. Reliable contraception is indicated even where there has been a history of infertility, unless due to hysterectomy or because the patient has been postmenopausal naturally for at least 24 consecutive months. Females of childbearing potential should be referred to a qualified provider of contraceptive methods, if needed. Sexually mature females who have not undergone a hysterectomy, have not had a bilateral oophorectomy or who have not been postmenopausal naturally for at least 24 consecutive months (i.e., who have had menses at some time in the preceding 24 consecutive months) are considered to be females of childbearing potential. Two reliable forms of contraception must be used simultaneously unless continuous abstinence from heterosexual sexual contact is the chosen method.

Females of childbearing potential must have 2 negative pregnancy tests (sensitivity of at least 50 mIU/mL). The first test should be performed within 10-14 days, and the second test within 24 hours prior to prescribing REVLIMID. A prescription for REVLIMID for a female of childbearing potential must not be issued by the prescriber until negative pregnancy tests have been verified by the prescriber.

Male Patients: Clinical data has demonstrated the presence of lenalidomide in human semen. Male patients taking REVLIMID should not donate sperm.

Males receiving REVLIMID must always use a latex condom during any sexual contact with females of childbearing potential even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy.

Once treatment has started and during dose interruptions, pregnancy testing for females of childbearing potential should occur weekly during the first 4 weeks of use, then pregnancy testing should be repeated every 4 weeks in females with regular menstrual cycles. If menstrual cycles are irregular, the pregnancy testing should occur every 2 weeks. Pregnancy testing and counseling should be performed if a patient misses her period or if there is any abnormality in her pregnancy test or in her menstrual bleeding. REVLIMID treatment must be discontinued during this evaluation.

Pregnancy test results should be verified by the prescriber and the pharmacist prior to dispensing any prescription.

If pregnancy does occur during treatment, REVLIMID must be discontinued immediately.

Any suspected fetal exposure to REVLIMID must be reported to the FDA via the MedWatch number at 1-800-332-1088 and also to Celgene Corporation at 1-888-423-5436. The patient should be referred to an obstetrician/gynecologist experienced in reproductive toxicity for further evaluation and counseling.

Female Patients: REVLIMID may be used in females of childbearing potential only when the PATIENT MEETS ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS (i.e., she is unable to become pregnant while on REVLIMID therapy):

• she is capable of complying with the mandatory contraceptive measures, pregnancy testing, patient registration, and patient survey as described in the RevAssist program.
• she has received and understands both oral and written warnings of the potential risks of taking REVLIMID during pregnancy and of exposing a fetus to the drug.
• she has received both oral and written warnings of the risk of possible contraception failure and of the need to use two reliable forms of contraception simultaneously (one highly effective form of contraception – tubal ligation, IUD, hormonal (birth control pills, injections, patch or implants) or partner's vasectomy and one additional effective contraceptive method - latex condom, diaphragm or cervical cap, unless continuous abstinence from heterosexual sexual contact is the chosen method. Sexually mature females who have not undergone a hysterectomy or who have not been postmenopausal for at least 24 consecutive months (i.e., who have had menses at some time in the preceding 24 consecutive months), or had a bilateral oophorectomy are considered to be females of childbearing potential.
• she acknowledges, in writing, her understanding of these warnings and of the need for using two reliable methods of contraception for 4 weeks prior to beginning REVLIMID therapy, during therapy, during dose interruptions and for 4 weeks after discontinuation of therapy.
• she has had two negative pregnancy tests with a sensitivity of at least 50 mIU/mL, within 10-14 days and 24 hours prior to beginning therapy.
• if the patient is between 12 and 18 years of age, her parent or legal guardian must have read the educational materials and agreed to ensure compliance with the above.

Male Patients

REVLIMID may be used in sexually active males when the PATIENT MEETS ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

• he is capable of complying with the mandatory contraceptive measures that are appropriate for men, patient registration, and patient survey as described in the RevAssist program.
• he has received and understands both oral and written warnings of the potential risks of taking REVLIMID and exposing a fetus to the drug.
• he has received both oral and written warnings of the risk of possible contraception failure and that it is known that lenalidomide is present in semen. He has been instructed that he must always use a latex condom during any sexual contact with females of childbearing potential, even if he has undergone a successful vasectomy. Females of childbearing potential are considered to be sexually mature females who have not undergone a hysterectomy, have not had a bilateral oophorectomy or who have not been postmenopausal for at least 24 consecutive months (i.e., who have had menses at any time in the preceding 24 consecutive months).
• he acknowledges, in writing, his understanding of these warnings and of the need to use a latex condom during any sexual contact with females of childbearing potential, even if he has undergone a successful vasectomy.
• if the patient is between 12 and 18 years of age, his parent or legal guardian must have read the educational materials and agreed to ensure compliance with the above.

Hematologic Toxicity

REVLIMID can cause significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Patients taking REVLIMID for MDS should have their complete blood counts monitored weekly for the first 8 weeks and at least monthly thereafter. Patients taking REVLIMID for MM should have their complete blood counts monitored every 2 weeks for the first 12 weeks and then monthly thereafter. Patients may require dose interruption and/or dose reduction [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity was seen in 80% of patients enrolled in the MDS study. In the 48% of patients who developed Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, the median time to onset was 42 days (range, 14-411 days), and the median time to documented recovery was 17 days (range, 2-170 days). In the 54% of patients who developed Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia, the median time to onset was 28 days (range, 8-290 days), and the median time to documented recovery was 22 days (range, 5-224 days [see BOXED WARNINGand DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

In the pooled multiple myeloma studies Grade 3 and 4 hematologic toxicities were more frequent in patients treated with the combination of REVLIMID and dexamethasone than in patients treated with dexamethasone alone [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

Venous thromboembolic events (predominantly deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) have occurred in patients with multiple myeloma treated with lenalidomide combination therapy [see BOXED WARNING] and patients with MDS treated with lenalidomide monotherapy. A significantly increased risk of DVT and PE was observed in patients with multiple myeloma who were treated with REVLIMID and dexamethasone therapy in a clinical trial [see BOXED WARNING]. It is not known whether prophylactic anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy prescribed in conjunction with REVLIMID may lessen the potential for venous thromboembolic events. The decision to take prophylactic measures should be done carefully after an assessment of an individual patient's underlying risk factors.

Allergic Reactions

Angioedema and serious dermatologic reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported. These events can be fatal. Patients with a prior history of Grade 4 rash associated with thalidomide treatment should not receive REVLIMID. REVLIMID interruption or discontinuation should be considered for Grade 2-3 skin rash. REVLIMID must be discontinued for angioedema, Grade 4 rash, exfoliative or bullous rash, or if SJS or TEN is suspected and should not be resumed following discontinuation for these reactions.

REVLIMID capsules contain lactose. Risk-benefit of REVLIMID treatment should be evaluated in patients with lactose intolerance.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Fatal instances of tumor lysis syndrome have been reported during treatment with lenalidomide. The patients at risk of tumor lysis syndrome are those with high tumor burden prior to treatment. These patients should be monitored closely and appropriate precautions taken.

Tumor Flare Reaction

Tumor flare reaction has occurred during investigational use of lenalidomide for CLL and lymphoma, and is characterized by tender lymph node swelling, low grade fever, pain and rash. Treatment of CLL or lymphoma with lenalidomide outside of a well-monitored clinical trial is discouraged.

Hepatotoxicity

Cases of transient liver laboratory abnormalities (predominantly transaminases) were reported in patients treated with lenalidomide. Treatment with lenalidomide should be interrupted and restarted once the levels return to baseline. Successful re-challenge without recurrence of liver laboratory elevation was reported in some patients.

Second Primary Malignancies

Patients with multiple myeloma treated with lenalidomide in studies including melphalan and stem cell transplantation had a higher incidence of second primary malignancies, particularly acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and Hodgkin lymphoma, compared to patients in the control arms who received similar therapy but did not receive lenalidomide. Monitor patients for the development of second malignancies. Take into account both the potential benefit of lenalidomide and the risk of second primary malignancies when considering treatment with lenalidomide.

Patient Counseling Information

See Medication Guide

Importance of Preventing Pregnancy

Females of Childbearing Potential

Patients must be counseled on lenalidomide's potential risk of teratogenicity due to its structural similarity to thalidomide and data from an embryofetal development study showing treatment with lenalidomide produced malformations in the offspring of female monkeys who received the drug during pregnancy.

REVLIMID treatment should only be initiated in females of childbearing potential following a negative pregnancy test. Females of childbearing potential must be informed of the importance of monthly pregnancy tests and the need to use two different forms of contraception including at least one highly effective form simultaneously during REVLIMID therapy, during therapy interruption and for 4 weeks after she has completely finished taking REVLIMID. Highly effective forms of contraception other than tubal ligation include IUD and hormonal (birth control pills, injections, patch or implants) and a partner's vasectomy. Additional effective contraceptive methods include latex condom, diaphragm and cervical cap. Patient must be instructed to immediately stop taking REVLIMID and contact her doctor if she becomes pregnant while taking this drug, if she misses her menstrual period, or experiences unusual menstrual bleeding, if she stops taking birth control, or if she thinks FOR ANY REASON that she may be pregnant. The patient understands that if her doctor is not available, she can call 1-888-668-2528 for information on emergency contraception [see Use In Specific Populations].

REVLIMID treatment should only be initiated in a female not of childbearing potential if she confirms that she is not now pregnant, nor of childbearing potential as she has been postmenopausal naturally for at least 24 months (been through the change of life); or she has had a hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy. The patient or guardian certifies that a prepubertal female child is not now pregnant, nor is of childbearing potential as menstruation has not yet begun, and/or the child will not be engaging in heterosexual sexual contact for at least 4 weeks before REVLIMID therapy, during therapy, during therapy interruption and for at least 4 weeks after stopping REVLIMID therapy.

REVLIMID treatment should only be initiated in men who agree to either completely abstain from sexual contact with women who are pregnant or able to become pregnant, or use a latex condom every time he engages in any sexual contact with women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. The patient should inform his doctor if he has had unprotected sexual contact with a woman who can become pregnant. He understands that if his doctor is not available, he can call 1-888-668-2528 for information on emergency contraception.

Hematologic Toxicity

REVLIMID is associated with significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia [see BOXED WARNINGS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

REVLIMID/dexamethasone has demonstrated significant increased risk of DVT and PE in patients with multiple myeloma [see BOXED WARNINGS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Dosing Instructions

Inform patients to take REVLIMID once daily at about the same time each day, either with or without food. The capsules should not be opened, broken, or chewed. REVLIMID should be swallowed whole with water.

Instruct patients that if they miss a dose of REVLIMID, they may still take it up to 12 hours after the time they would normally take it. If more than 12 hours have elapsed, they should be instructed to skip the dose for that day. The next day, they should take REVLIMID at the usual time. Warn patients to not take 2 doses to make up for the one that they missed.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility

Carcinogenicity

Carcinogenicity studies with lenalidomide have not been conducted.

Mutagenesis

Lenalidomide did not induce mutation in the Ames test, chromosome aberrations in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes, or mutation at the thymidine kinase (tk) locus of mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells. Lenalidomide did not increase morphological transformation in Syrian Hamster Embryo assay or induce micronuclei in the polychromatic erythrocytes of the bone marrow of male rats.

Fertility

A fertility and early embryonic development study in rats, with administration of lenalidomide up to 500 mg/kg (approximately 200 times the human dose of 25 mg, based on body surface area) produced no parental toxicity and no adverse effects on fertility.

Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity

Lenalidomide had an embryocidal effect in rabbits at a dose of 50 mg/kg (approximately 120 times the human dose of 10 mg based on body surface area).

In an embryofetal developmental toxicity study in monkeys, teratogenicity, including thalidomide-like limb defects, occurred in offspring when pregnant monkeys received oral lenalidomide during organogenesis at doses approximately 0.17-times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 25 mg, based on body surface area.

A pre- and post-natal development study in rats revealed few adverse effects on the offspring of female rats treated with lenalidomide at doses up to 500 mg/kg (approximately 200 times the human dose of 25 mg based on body surface area). The male offspring exhibited slightly delayed sexual maturation and the female offspring had slightly lower body weight gains during gestation when bred to male offspring.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category X: [see BOXED WARNINGS and CONTRAINDICATIONS]

REVLIMID can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. REVLIMID is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. However, in an animal study, lenalidomide caused thalidomide-type limb defects in monkey offspring. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus.

If pregnancy does occur during treatment, immediately discontinue the drug. Under these conditions, refer patient to an obstetrician/gynecologist experienced in reproductive toxicity for further evaluation and counseling. Any suspected fetal exposure to REVLIMID must be reported to the FDA via the MedWatch program at 1-800-332-1088 and also to Celgene Corporation at 1-888-423-5436.

In an embryofetal developmental toxicity study in monkeys, teratogenicity, including thalidomide-like limb defects, occurred in offspring when pregnant monkeys received oral lenalidomide during organogenesis at doses approximately 0.17 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 25 mg, based on body surface area. Similar studies in pregnant rabbits and rats at 20 times and 200 times the MRHD respectively, produced embryolethality in rabbits and no adverse reproductive effects in rats. In another study, pregnant rats received lenalidomide from organogenesis through lactation, some delay in sexual maturation occurred in male offspring. As with thalidomide, the rat model may not adequately address the full spectrum of potential human embryofetal developmental effects for lenalidomide.

Females of childbearing potential must use effective means of contraception for 28 days before therapy, during lenalidomide therapy and dose interruptions, and for 28 days following discontinuation of lenalidomide therapy, or continually abstain from reproductive heterosexual sexual intercourse. Because of the increased risk of VTE in patients with multiple myeloma taking lenalidomide and dexamethasone, and to a lesser extent patients with MDS taking lenalidomide monotherapy, and because there is an increased risk of VTE in patients taking combined oral contraceptive pills, physicians should discuss the risk/benefit of contraceptive methods with their patients

Nursing mothers

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants from lenalidomide, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 18 have not been established.

Geriatric use

REVLIMID has been used in multiple myeloma (MM) clinical trials in patients up to 86 years of age.

Of the 703 MM patients who received study treatment in Studies 1 and 2, 45% were age 65 or over while 12% of patients were age 75 and over. The percentage of patients age 65 or over was not significantly different between the REVLIMID/dexamethasone and placebo/dexamethasone groups. Of the 353 patients who received REVLIMID/dexamethasone, 46% were age 65 and over. In both studies, patients > 65 years of age were more likely than patients ≤ 65 years of age to experience DVT, pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation, and renal failure following use of REVLIMID. No differences in efficacy were observed between patients over 65 years of age and younger patients.

REVLIMID has been used in del 5q MDS clinical trials in patients up to 95 years of age.

Of the 148 patients with del 5q MDS enrolled in the major study, 38% were age 65 and over, while 33% were age 75 and over. Although the overall frequency of adverse events (100%) was the same in patients over 65 years of age as in younger patients, the frequency of serious adverse events was higher in patients over 65 years of age than in younger patients (54% vs. 33%). A greater proportion of patients over 65 years of age discontinued from the clinical studies because of adverse events than the proportion of younger patients (27% vs.16%). No differences in efficacy were observed between patients over 65 years of age and younger patients.

Since elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection. Monitor renal function.

Renal Impairment

Since lenalidomide is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidney, adjustments to the starting dose of REVLIMID are recommended to provide appropriate drug exposure in patients with moderate (CLcr 30-60 mL/min) or severe renal impairment (CLcr < 30 mL/min) and in patients on dialysis [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Hepatic Impairment

No study has been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment. The elimination of unchanged lenalidomide is predominantly by the renal route.

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/21/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.