Generic Name: Lenalidomide

  • What is Revlimid?

    Revlimid is a medicine taken by mouth to treat certain patients who have myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Patients with MDS have bone marrow that does not produce enough mature blood cells. This causes a lack of healthy blood cells in the body. There are different types of MDS. Revlimid is for the type of MDS with a chromosome problem where part of chromosome 5 is missing—this type is known as deletion 5q MDS. Patients with deletion 5q MDS may have low red blood cell counts that require treatment with blood transfusions.

    Revlimid may also be used in combination with another medication known as dexamethasone for patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells found in the bone marrow.

  • What is the most important information I should know about Revlimid?

    Revlimid can only be given through the RevAssist program -- your healthcare provider, pharmacy, and you must all be registered with this program in order for you to receive Revlimid. You must understand and agree to all the instructions of the program.

    Revlimid may cause serious side effects such as birth defects, low white blood cell count, and blood clots in both veins and lungs. It is not known whether Revlimid passes into semen; therefore, men should use a condom whenever coming into sexual contact with a female that is pregnant or can become pregnant. If you are a female, you should avoid becoming pregnant for 4 weeks before beginning therapy with Revlimid, during therapy, and 4 weeks after stopping Revlimid.

  • Who should not take Revlimid?

    Do not take Revlimid if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or become pregnant during Revlimid treatment. Revlimid may cause birth defects. Also, do not take this medication if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
  • What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Revlimid?

    Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Revlimid cannot be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines and vitamins you are taking.
  • What is the usual dosage?


    The usual dosage of Revlimid for myelodysplastic syndromes is 10 milligrams (mg) a day. For the treatment of multiple myeloma, the usual dosage of Revlimid is 25 mg once a day on days 1-21 of repeated 28 day cycles. This is given in combination with dexamethasone.

  • How should I take Revlimid?

    Swallow Revlimid capsules whole with water once a day. Do not break, chew or open the capsules.
  • What should I avoid while taking Revlimid?

    Do not get pregnant, breastfeed, donate blood or sperm, or share your medication, while on Revlimid. If you get pregnant while taking Revlimid, stop taking it immediately and contact your healthcare provider. If you are a male taking Revlimid, your female partner should contact her healthcare provider if she gets pregnant.
  • What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Revlimid?

    If Revlimid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Revlimid with digoxin.
  • What are the possible side effects of Revlimid?


    Side effects may include: birth defects, blood clots in veins and lungs, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry skin, itching, low white blood cell count, rash, shortness of breath, tiredness

  • Can I receive Revlimid if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

    If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, do not take Revlimid. This medication may cause birth defects and passes into breast milk.
  • What should I do if I miss a dose of Revlimid?

    If you miss a dose of Revlimid, take it as soon as you remember that day. If you miss taking your dose for the entire day, go back to taking your regular dose the next day. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
  • How should I store Revlimid?

    Store at room temperature.