What is lenvatinib?

Lenvatinib is a medicine used mainly to treat certain types of cancer. Here are the key points about it:

Indications
Lenvatinib is approved for the treatment of the following:

Thyroid cancer: severely differentiated thyroid cancer that is resistant to radioactive iodine.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: advanced liver cancer, often in combination with another medicine (everolimus).

Renal cell carcinoma: advanced kidney cancer, often in combination with pembrolizumab.

Mechanism of action
Lenvatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets several receptor tyrosine kinases involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels to supply the tumor).

Dosage
The dose may vary depending on the type of cancer being treated. For thyroid cancer, the usual starting dose is 24 mg once daily.

Common side effects of Lenvatinib?

Common side effects of Lenvatinib include:

High blood pressure: High blood pressure is one of the most frequently reported side effects.

Fatigue: Many patients experience general tiredness or weakness.

Diarrhea: This can range from mild to moderate in severity.

Nausea: Some patients may feel nauseated, although this can often be controlled.

Loss of appetite: A decrease in appetite can lead to weight loss.

Weight loss: Unintended weight loss may occur during treatment.

Abdominal pain: Some patients complain of discomfort or pain in the abdominal area.

Mouth ulcers: Mucositis or ulcers in the mouth may occur.

Proteinuria: Increased levels of protein may be detected in the urine.

It is important to monitor these side effects and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider, who can suggest strategies to manage them effectively.

Serious side effects of Lenvatinib?

Serious side effects of lenvatinib may include:

Severe hypertension: Uncontrolled high blood pressure may require immediate treatment.

Liver dysfunction: Significant increases in liver enzymes may indicate liver damage.

Cardiovascular problems: There is a risk of serious cardiovascular problems, including congestive heart failure.

Gastrointestinal perforation or fistula: Rarely, serious gastrointestinal complications may occur, which may lead to serious conditions.

Thromboembolic events: There is an increased risk of blood clots, which may lead to conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.

Serious skin reactions: These may include rash, blistering, or peeling of the skin.

Proteinuria: Significant amounts of protein in the urine may indicate kidney problems.

Hypothyroidism: Lenvatinib may affect thyroid function, which may lead to low thyroid hormone levels.

It is important to report any severe or unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately, as early intervention can help manage these risks effectively. Regular monitoring during treatment is also important.

Website: Lenvatinib Cost Philippines