Indications
Lenvatinib is a cancer medicine taken as capsules. It is used for:
- Differentiated thyroid cancer that has spread or come back and no longer responds to radioactive iodine
- Advanced liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) that cannot be removed by surgery
- Advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma), together with Everolimus or Pembrolizumab
- Advanced cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial cancer), together with Pembrolizumab
How It Works
Lenvatinib blocks several proteins called kinases that cancer cells use to grow and to build new blood vessels to feed themselves. By cutting off these signals, it slows or stops the growth of the cancer.
Dosage and Administration
Take exactly as prescribed by the cancer specialist, once a day at about the same time, with or without food. The dose depends on the type of cancer and, for some cancers, body weight, and it is often lowered or paused if side effects occur. Swallow the capsules whole with water. If they cannot be swallowed, the leaflet explains how to dissolve them in a small amount of water or apple juice. If a dose is missed and the next dose is less than 12 hours away, skip the missed dose.
Interactions
- Medicines that affect heart rhythm (such as some antibiotics, antipsychotics and anti-arrhythmics) may increase the risk of an abnormal heartbeat.
- It may make hormonal birth control less reliable, so a barrier method should also be used.
- Tell the cancer team about all medicines, including herbal products.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Lenvatinib or any ingredient of the capsule
- Breastfeeding
Side Effects
Common side effects include high blood pressure, diarrhoea, tiredness, loss of appetite and weight loss, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, painful redness and peeling of the palms and soles, protein in the urine, a hoarse voice, joint and muscle pain, headache, low thyroid hormone and bleeding such as nosebleeds.
Get urgent medical help if there is:
- Severe headache, confusion, fits or changes in vision
- Chest pain, shortness of breath or swelling of the legs
- Weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking or a drooping face
- Severe belly pain, black stools, vomiting blood or heavy bleeding
- Yellow skin or eyes or dark urine
- Severe diarrhoea or vomiting with signs of dehydration
- Very high blood pressure readings or a fainting feeling
Pregnancy and Lactation
Lenvatinib can harm an unborn baby. Women who could become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for the period the doctor advises after the last dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least a week after the last dose.
Precautions and Warnings
- Blood pressure should be controlled before starting and checked regularly.
- Urine protein, liver, kidney and thyroid tests and blood salts are checked regularly; an ECG may be needed.
- Tell the doctor about any heart problems, past blood clots, bleeding problems or recent surgery.
- It slows wound healing, so it is usually stopped before planned surgery.
- Rarely it can damage the jawbone; have dental check-ups and tell the dentist about this medicine.
Overdose
Taking too much increases the risk of serious side effects such as very high blood pressure and heart problems. There is no specific antidote. Contact the doctor or go to hospital promptly.
Therapeutic Class
Antineoplastic (anticancer) medicine, multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
Storage
Store below 30°C in the original blister to protect from moisture, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.