Revlimid (lenalidomide) is a prescription oral capsule used to treat multiple myeloma. It’s used as a first-line treatment or as an ongoing treatment after a stem cell transplant. Revlimid is also available as a generic drug.

The active ingredient in Revlimid is lenalidomide. Revlimid belongs to a group of drugs called thalidomide analogs. To learn more about Revlimid, see this in-depth Revlimid article.

Revlimid has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “What should I know before taking Revlimid?” section.

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cells found in your bone marrow (spongy tissue inside of bones). They help your immune system by making certain proteins that fight infection.

With multiple myeloma, atypical plasma cells build up in your bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells. This can make it harder for your body to fight infections. The buildup of cancer cells may also lead to other health problems, such as bone damage or kidney problems.

What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?

  • fatigue (low energy)
  • bone pain
  • anemia (low red blood cell count)
  • unintentional weight loss

Who is Revlimid prescribed for?

Doctors prescribe Revlimid to treat multiple myeloma in adults. It’s used in one of the following situations:

  • as a first-line treatment for multiple myeloma, in combination with dexamethasone (Hemady)
  • as an ongoing treatment for multiple myeloma after a stem cell transplant using the person’s own stem cells

Keep reading to learn how Revlimid works to treat multiple myeloma.

How does Revlimid work?

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cells.

Revlimid works to treat multiple myeloma in several ways, including:

  • helping the immune system find and attack cancer cells
  • slowing the growth of atypical plasma cells
  • helping prevent new cancer cells from forming

To learn more about how Revlimid works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Studies show that Revlimid is an effective treatment for multiple myeloma. In studies, people who took Revlimid had longer periods without their condition getting worse compared with those who didn’t take the drug. Some people also lived longer overall when Revlimid was part of their treatment plan.

For more information about how Revlimid performed in these studies, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also view the drug’s prescribing information.

Typical dosages of Revlimid for treating multiple myeloma are as follows. Be sure to follow the instructions and dosage your doctor has prescribed.

What is the usual dosage for Revlimid?

For multiple myeloma, the usual starting dosage of Revlimid depends on whether you’ve had a stem cell transplant.

If you have not had a stem cell transplant, the typical starting dosage is 25 milligrams (mg) once per day. You’ll take the drug daily for 3 weeks in a row, followed by 1 week off. Your doctor will tell you when to start the next cycle and how long to continue treatment.

If you have had a stem cell transplant, the usual starting dosage is 10 mg once per day. If your condition responds well and you don’t have bothersome side effects after about 3 months, your doctor may increase your dosage to 15 mg once per day. They’ll also tell you how long you’ll take Revlimid as part of your treatment plan.

Note: Revlimid has other uses in addition to treating multiple myeloma. The dosage may be different for these other uses.

How do you take Revlimid?

Revlimid comes as an oral capsule. You can take each dose with or without food.

How often should I take Revlimid?

You’ll take Revlimid once per day, around the same time each day.

Using Revlimid for multiple myeloma* may cause side effects in some people. These side effects can be mild or serious.

Here are the lists that include some of the main side effects reported by people using Revlimid. For information about other possible side effects of this medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also learn more from the Revlimid side effects article or from Revlimid’s prescribing information.

* Revlimid is also approved to treat several other conditions. Side effects of Revlimid when used to treat other conditions were similar to when it was used for multiple myeloma.

What are Revlimid’s mild side effects?

Revlimid may cause mild side effects in some people. These include:

In many cases, mild side effects from the drug can be temporary. Some side effects may be easy to manage, too. But if side effects last longer, or if they bother you or become severe, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What are Revlimid’s serious side effects?

Taking Revlimid may lead to rare but serious side effects. Examples include:

Call your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects while using Revlimid. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

To learn more about the drug’s boxed warnings, see the “What should I know before taking Revlimid?” section.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Revlimid can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Revlimid treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Revlimid, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Before you use Revlimid, it’s important to keep in mind that the drug may not be a safe option for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Some of these are mentioned in the following sections.

Boxed warnings

This drug has boxed warnings. These are the most serious warnings from the FDA. A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Risk of blood clots: Taking Revlimid may increase your risk of blood clots. These may occur in an artery, deep vein, or lung.

Symptoms of a blood clot may depend on where it occurs. Examples include shortness of breath and swelling, pain, or changes in skin color near the affected area.

Having blood clots can also increase your risk of stroke and heart attack. Symptoms of stroke include slurred speech and sudden numbness or weakness on one side of your body. Symptoms of a heart attack include pain in your jaw, neck, chest, back, or arm.

Due to this risk, your doctor may prescribe a blood thinner, such as warfarin (Jantoven), with Revlimid.

If you have symptoms of a blood clot, stroke, or heart attack during Revlimid treatment, call 911 or seek emergency medical care right away. If you have a blood clot, your doctor may switch you to a different treatment option.

Risk of severely reduced blood cell levels: Taking Revlimid may lead to severely reduced levels of platelets and white blood cells.

Low levels of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising. Low levels of white blood cells can increase your risk of infection.

Your doctor will check your blood cell levels during Revlimid treatment. If you have low blood cell levels, they may temporarily stop the drug until your levels return to the typical range. Your doctor may restart Revlimid at a lower dose.

Risk of fetal harm: Doctors will not prescribe Revlimid during pregnancy. If taken during pregnancy, the drug may cause problems with fetal development (commonly known as birth defects) or pregnancy loss.

Due to this risk, Revlimid is only available through the Lenalidomide risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) program. This program helps make sure that Revlimid is prescribed safely. Your doctor can prescribe Revlimid only if you’re enrolled in the REMS program.

If you become pregnant while you or a sexual partner is taking Revlimid, tell your doctor right away. It’s important to enroll in Revlimid’s pregnancy registry to help collect information about how the drug affects pregnancy.

To enroll in the pregnancy registry, talk with your doctor. You can also call the REMS program at 888-432-5436 or FDA at 800-332-1088.

What other warnings should I know about?

In addition to boxed warnings, Revlimid has other warnings. If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors apply to you, talk with your doctor before using Revlimid.

  • if you have a thyroid problem
  • if you have a liver or kidney problem
  • if you’re lactose intolerant
  • if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering either
  • if you’ve had an allergic reaction to thalidomide, Revlimid, or any of its ingredients

The price of Revlimid depends on several factors. These can include your treatment plan, your insurance plan, the pharmacy you use, and your location.

Revlimid is a brand-name drug that’s also available as a generic. Brand-name drugs usually cost more than generics. To learn about the generic form, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

»You can learn more on cost:Revlimid cost article

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.