All you need to know about Lenvatinib

Also referred to as Lenvima by doctors, Lenvatinib is a drug used to conduct targeted therapy for curing cancer. This oral receptor kinase inhibitor is prescribed alone or in combination with other drugs for the best results. Although targeted drug therapy for cancer uses drugs that have zero side effects, there still may be some exceptional cases. It is essential to mention here that the medication should be taken according to the prescribed dose for avoiding complications. 

Purposes of Lenvatinib 

It is one of the most popular medications for targeted drug therapy of cancer. It has been seen to act effectively in patients suffering from metastatic or progressive thyroid cancer. To treat liver cancer in its initial stages, Lenvatinib is preferred by most doctors. For endometrial cancer and renal cell carcinoma, this medicine is used in combination with pembrolizumab and everolimus, respectively. 

Dosage and Usage of Lenvatinib

The dosage is available in the form of hard capsule- lenvatinib 4mg and Lenvatinib 10 mg. However, there can be alterations depending on the stage of cancer or response from the body. Usually, Lenvatinib 10mg is consumed once a day with water. According to your convenience, you can take it with food or otherwise. It should not be dissolved in water or crushed. In any case, if you miss a dose and the other one is along in less than 12 hours, the best thing to do is contact your healthcare professional. 

Safety Measures to Take While Consuming Lenvatinib

To minimize the intensity of the side effects and deal with the risk factors efficiently, one should take the following precautionary measures-

• Make sure to inform your physician about any other medication that you are on at present because the combination of both drugs can often lead to unwanted circumstances. 
• While on Lenvatinib, it is prohibited to take any vaccination shots without the approval from your oncologist. 
• Prior to starting the therapy, it should be said that Lenvatinib is quite hazardous for pregnant women. It can cause serious damage to the fetus because it is absorbed through the skin and lungs. 
• It is also recommended not to breastfeed while you are on this medication. 
• It is best to conduct a series of medical tests before you start the therapy to determine whether you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this drug. 

Lenvatinib Side Effects- 

• High blood pressure
• Unusual tiredness leading to fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight loss 
• Muscle pain 

Although these are some of the common side effects, in extreme cases, the patient’s body develops certain conditions that require immediate medical attention. Those are:

• Fever (more than 100.4 F that causes chills)
• Blood clot leading to chest pain
• Seizures 
• Changes in vision or partial blindness 

If you are under this medication, it is very important to maintain a nutritious diet. It is advised not to handle heavy activities or drive because the medicine causes fatigue and severe dizziness. It is also mandatory to drink two to three quarts of fluid on a regular basis. In case your body is unable to take the brunt of the side effects, your doctor may prescribe some medicines to help you cope with the situation. 

Conclusion

At present, Lenvima is considered to be one of the most important names in targeted drug therapy. It stops tumor growth and ceases cancer progression in addition to resuming normal cellular activities within the body. During this treatment, several medical examinations will be done to check your blood pressure, urine protein level, kidney functions, and so on. Lenvatinib price is quite high, approximately 19,867$ for 60 capsules. Therefore, it is advised to have medical insurance to cover the cost. 

FAQ

What is the brand name of Lenvatinib? 

Lenvima is the brand name of Lenvatinib, which is specifically an anti-cancer medication. 

Is Lenvatinib a chemotherapy?

Lenvatinib specifically is a targeted treatment, rather than a chemotherapy. 

What are the most commonly reported side effects due to Lenvatinib? 

Hypertension (high blood pressure), diarrhoea and fatigue are the most commonly reported side effects due to Lenvatinib. 

How should Lenvatinib be taken? 

Lenvatinib should be taken exactly as directed by your healthcare professional. Avoid taking more or less this medication or take it more often than prescribed by your healthcare team. The lenvatinib capsules should be swallowed whole; do not chew, open, or crush the capsules. 

How long does Lenvatinib take to work?

Kidney cancer (along with everolimus): Findings demonstrated that the lenvatinib and everolimus lengthened the time period until the disease got worse or death occurred by 14.6 months (with a range of 5.9-20.1 months).

Can Lenvatinib cure cancer?

Lenvatinib basically is a prescription drug that is used in order to treat certain kinds of cancer. It is used by itself as the first treatment for a type of liver cancer known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) when it cannot be eliminated through surgery. 

How effective is Lenvatinib?

Of the patients who were done with the 8 cycles of this medication, 44 percent showed a 36 percent objective response within the 3.5 months of initiating the treatment. 

Disclaimer: The above-mentioned article is solely for information purpose. We don’t claim the accurate effect of the medication.