Lenalidomide

Say it: len-a-LID-oh-mide · Brand names: Revlimid

Lenalidomide is a pill that helps the immune system fight some blood cancers and slows the growth of cancer cells.

What it is

Lenalidomide is called an immunomodulatory medicine. It helps immune cells attack cancer cells, makes it harder for cancer cells to survive and grow, and cuts down the blood supply that feeds them.

Often used for

• multiple myeloma
• myelodysplastic syndrome (a bone marrow disorder) with a certain chromosome change
• mantle cell lymphoma
• follicular lymphoma
• marginal zone lymphoma

How you get it

Lenalidomide is a capsule you take by mouth once a day. It is often taken for 21 days, followed by 7 days off, in a 28-day cycle. Some people take it every day as long-term maintenance. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Low blood counts, which can raise the risk of infection, bleeding and tiredness. Your team will check your blood often.
• Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and tell your team if it does not get better.
• Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
• Constipation. Drink plenty of fluids and eat high fiber foods.
• Rash or itching. Use gentle soap and moisturizer, and tell your team about any new rash.
• Muscle cramps. Stretch gently and drink fluids.
• Swelling in the hands, legs or feet. Raise your legs when you sit.

Call your care team right away if you have

• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
• Pain, swelling, warmth or redness in one leg or arm, sudden shortness of breath, or chest pain, which can be signs of a blood clot
• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, or a sudden severe headache
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• A rash with blisters, peeling skin, or sores in the mouth
• Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine

Before you start, tell your team

• If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• If you have had blood clots, a heart attack or a stroke
• If you have kidney problems
• If you smoke, or have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• All the medicines you take, including vitamins, herbs and supplements

Good to know

• This medicine can cause severe birth defects or death of an unborn baby. You can only get it through a special safety program. People who can become pregnant need pregnancy tests and must use two forms of birth control from 4 weeks before until 4 weeks after treatment. Men must use a latex or synthetic condom during sex with a partner who is or could become pregnant, even after a vasectomy.
• It can cause low white blood cell and platelet counts. You will have blood tests often, especially at first.
• It raises the risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. Most people take a blood thinner or aspirin to help prevent clots.
• It may slightly raise the chance of getting a new, different cancer later. Ask your team about this.
• Do not donate blood during treatment and for 4 weeks after. Men should not donate sperm during this time.

At home

• Take the capsule with water at about the same time each day, with or without food.
• Swallow capsules whole. Do not open, break or chew them.
• If you miss a dose, ask your care team what to do. Do not take two doses to make up for it.
• Store at room temperature, away from children. Do not share your medicine. Return unused capsules as your pharmacy tells you.
• Caregivers should wear gloves if they touch capsules, and anyone who is pregnant should not touch them.

Questions to ask

• What schedule should I follow, and how many days do I take it?
• What should I take to prevent blood clots?
• How often will I need blood tests?
• What birth control should I use?

Part of these treatment plans

• DRd
• ERd
• IRd
• KRd (CRD)
• RVd (VRd)

Side effect guides

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Low white blood cells and infection risk
• Low platelets and bleeding
• Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.