Revlimid (Lenalidomide) for Amyloidosis

Overview
Revlimid is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with multiple myeloma or various forms of lymphoma. Revlimid is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat relapsed or refractory amyloidosis. Revlimid is also referred to by its drug name, lenalidomide.

Revlimid is used as a therapy for amyloidosis. Revlimid is a member of a class of drugs called immunomodulators. Revlimid is believed to work in several ways. Examples include killing the abnormal plasma cells that produce amyloid proteins, blocking the growth of new blood vessels that supply abnormal plasma cells with nutrients, and stimulating the production of healthy immune cells that fight against abnormal plasma cells.

How do I take it?
Revlimid is given orally as a capsule. It should be taken exactly as prescribed by the physician.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Revlimid lists common side effects that include diarrhea, fatigue, anemia (low red blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count), constipation, edema (swelling), insomnia, muscle cramps/spasms, abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, fever, cough, rash, difficulty breathing, dizziness, decreased appetite, and tremor.

Serious side effects listed for Revlimid include liver damage, potentially fatal heart reactions, impaired immune cell response, and a potentially fatal skin reaction known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

For more details about this treatment, visit:
Revlimid — Bristol Myers Squibb
What Is Revlimid? — Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation