Lenvatinib

Say it: len-VA-tih-nib · Brand names: Lenvima

Lenvatinib is a targeted pill that blocks several growth signals and cuts off the blood supply tumors need.

What it is

Tumors need new blood vessels to grow. Lenvatinib blocks signals, including one called VEGF, that tell new blood vessels to form. It also blocks other signals that help cancer cells grow.

Often used for

• thyroid cancer that no longer responds to radioactive iodine
• kidney cancer, with pembrolizumab or everolimus
• liver cancer
• endometrial cancer, with pembrolizumab

How you get it

It is a capsule you take by mouth once a day, with or without food. People usually take it for as long as it works and side effects are OK. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• High blood pressure. Your team will check it often.
• Feeling tired. Rest when you need to and take short walks when you can.
• Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and ask your team which diarrhea medicine to keep at home.
• Less appetite and weight loss. Try small, frequent meals.
• Joint or muscle pain. Ask your team what pain medicine is safe for you.
• Mouth sores. Use a soft toothbrush and a mild salt water rinse.
• Red, sore, or peeling skin on the palms and soles. Use thick moisturizer, wear soft shoes, and avoid hot water.
• Hoarse voice. This usually is not harmful.

Call your care team right away if you have

• Bad headache, or blood pressure higher than your team told you to expect
• Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or coughing up blood
• Chest pain, or numbness or weakness on one side, or trouble speaking
• Bad belly pain
• Confusion, seizures, or sudden vision changes
• Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly

Before you start, tell your team

• If you have high blood pressure, heart problems, or have had a blood clot or stroke
• If you have liver or kidney problems
• If you have surgery or dental work planned
• If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, since some can change how this medicine works

Good to know

• It often raises blood pressure. Check it at home if your team asks and bring your numbers to visits.
• You will have urine tests for protein and blood tests for liver, kidney, calcium, and thyroid.
• It can slow wound healing. Your team will stop it for a while before and after surgery or dental work.
• Rarely, it causes jawbone damage. Get a dental checkup before starting if you can.
• This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for a while after.

At home

• Take it at about the same time each day.
• Swallow the capsules whole, or ask your team how to dissolve them in water or apple juice. Caregivers should not open the capsules.
• If you miss a dose or throw up after a dose, ask your team what to do. Do not take an extra dose on your own.
• Store the pills at room temperature in their original container, away from children and pets.
• Wash your hands after touching the pills. Ask your team if others in your home should take special care.

Questions to ask

• How long will I take this medicine?
• Should I check my blood pressure at home?
• Are any of my other medicines, foods, or supplements a problem with this medicine?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Which side effects should I call you about right away, and which can wait?

Side effect guides

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Diarrhea
• Mouth sores
• Appetite loss and weight loss
• Hand-foot syndrome
• Pain

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.