LENVIMA (Lenvatinib)

What is this medication?

LENVIMA (Lenvatinib)
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

LENVIMA (Lenvatinib) is a kinase inhibitor that is indicated for the treatment of locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive, radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).  In combination with everolimus, for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following one prior antiangiogenic therapy. For the first-line treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

How does this medication work? 

LENVIMA (Lenvatinib) is a kinase inhibitor that inhibits the kinase activities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors VEGFR1 (FLT1), VEGFR2 (KDR), and VEGFR3 (FLT4). Lenvatinib inhibits other kinases that have been implicated in pathogenic angiogenesis, tumor growth, and cancer progression in addition to their normal cellular functions, including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors FGFR1, 2, 3, and 4; platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα), KIT, and RET. 

How should I take this medication? 

Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Oral: Take 24mg once daily.

Renal Cell Carcinoma
Oral: Take 18mg once daily with everolimus 5 mg once daily.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Oral: Take 12 mg once daily for patients greater than or equal to 60 kg.  Take 8 mg once daily for patients less than 60 kg. 

How to Take: Take with or without food.

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting LENVIMA (Lenvatinib), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take. Lenvatinib can cause cardiovascular side effects which need close monitoring.  Monitor blood pressure and QT interval prior to and during treatment.  Monitor for signs and symptoms of cardiac dysfunction.  Lenvatinib has been associated with hepatotoxicity and renal impairment.  Monitor liver function, renal impairment and proteinuria prior to and during treatment.  Monitor blood calcium levels at least monthly and replace calcium as necessary. Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS) has been associated with Lenvatinib which may have to be stopped or discontinued based on severity.  Endocrine dysfunction such as thyroid stimulating hormone suppression/thyroid dysfunction has occurred with Lenvatinib.  Monitor thyroid function prior to treatment and monthly during treatment.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of medication, try to take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take only that scheduled dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times. Store at room temperature, 59 to 86° F (15 to 30° C). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Hypertension, fatigue, diarrhea, arthralgia/myalgia, decreased appetite, decreased weight, nausea, stomatitis, headache, vomiting, proteinuria, palmar plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, peripheral edema, cough, rash, abdominal pain, dysphonia, and hypothyroidism.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for LENVIMA (Lenvatinib), only common ones.