Dosage & Administration
Revlimid Prescribing Information
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Do not use REVLIMID during pregnancy. Lenalidomide, a thalidomide analogue, caused limb abnormalities in a developmental monkey study. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe life-threatening human birth defects. If lenalidomide is used during pregnancy, it may cause birth defects or embryo-fetal death. In females of reproductive potential, obtain 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting REVLIMID® treatment. Females of reproductive potential must use 2 forms of contraception or continuously abstain from heterosexual sex during and for 4 weeks after REVLIMID treatment [see Warnings and Precautions , and Medication Guide ]. To avoid embryo-fetal exposure to lenalidomide, REVLIMID is only available through a restricted distribution program, the Lenalidomide REMS program .
Information about the Lenalidomide REMS program is available at www.lenalidomiderems.com or by calling the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436.
Hematologic Toxicity (Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia)
REVLIMID can cause significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Eighty percent of patients with del 5q myelodysplastic syndromes had to have a dose delay/reduction during the major study. Thirty-four percent of patients had to have a second dose delay/reduction. Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity was seen in 80% of patients enrolled in the study. Patients on therapy for del 5q myelodysplastic syndromes should have their complete blood counts monitored weekly for the first 8 weeks of therapy and at least monthly thereafter. Patients may require dose interruption and/or reduction. Patients may require use of blood product support and/or growth factors [see Dosage and Administration ].
Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism
REVLIMID has demonstrated a significantly increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), as well as risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with multiple myeloma who were treated with REVLIMID and dexamethasone therapy. Monitor for and advise patients about signs and symptoms of thromboembolism. Advise patients to seek immediate medical care if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or arm or leg swelling. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended and the choice of regimen should be based on an assessment of the patient’s underlying risks [see Warnings and Precautions ].
Multiple Myeloma
REVLIMID in combination with dexamethasone is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma (MM).
REVLIMID is indicated as maintenance therapy in adult patients with MM following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT).
Myelodysplastic Syndromes
REVLIMID is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with transfusion-dependent anemia due to low- or intermediate-1-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with a deletion 5q cytogenetic abnormality with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma
REVLIMID is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) whose disease has relapsed or progressed after two prior therapies, one of which included bortezomib.
Follicular Lymphoma
REVLIMID in combination with a rituximab product, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with previously treated follicular lymphoma (FL).
Marginal Zone Lymphoma
REVLIMID in combination with a rituximab product, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with previously treated marginal zone lymphoma (MZL).
Limitations of Use
REVLIMID is not indicated and is not recommended for the treatment of patients with CLL outside of controlled clinical trials [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Recommended Dosage for Multiple Myeloma
REVLIMID Combination Therapy
The recommended starting dose of REVLIMID is 25 mg orally once daily on Days 1-21 of repeated 28-day cycles in combination with dexamethasone. Refer to Section 14.1 for specific dexamethasone dosing. For patients greater than 75 years old, the starting dose of dexamethasone may be reduced [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. Treatment should be continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
In patients who are not eligible for auto-HSCT, treatment should continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. For patients who are auto-HSCT-eligible, hematopoietic stem cell mobilization should occur within 4 cycles of a REVLIMID-containing therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].
Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities During MM Treatment
Dose modification guidelines, as summarized in Table 1 below, are recommended to manage Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or other Grade 3 or 4 toxicity judged to be related to REVLIMID.
Platelet counts | ||
Thrombocytopenia in MM | ||
When Platelets | Recommended Course | |
Fall below 30,000/mcL | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment, follow CBC weekly | |
Return to at least 30,000/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at next lower dose. Do not dose below 2.5 mg daily | |
For each subsequent drop below 30,000/mcL | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment | |
Return to at least 30,000/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at next lower dose. Do not dose below 2.5 mg daily | |
Absolute Neutrophil counts (ANC) | ||
Neutropenia in MM | ||
When Neutrophils | Recommended Course | |
Fall below 1,000/mcL | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment, follow CBC weekly | |
Return to at least 1,000/mcL and neutropenia is the only toxicity | Resume REVLIMID at 25 mg daily or initial starting dose | |
Return to at least 1,000/mcL and if other toxicity | Resume REVLIMID at next lower dose. Do not dose below 2.5 mg daily | |
For each subsequent drop below 1,000/mcL | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment | |
Return to at least 1,000/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at next lower dose. Do not dose below 2.5 mg daily | |
REVLIMID Maintenance Therapy Following Auto-HSCT
Following auto-HSCT, initiate REVLIMID maintenance therapy after adequate hematologic recovery (ANC at least 1,000/mcL and/or platelet counts at least 75,000/mcL). The recommended starting dose of REVLIMID is 10 mg once daily continuously (Days 1-28 of repeated 28-day cycles) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. After 3 cycles of maintenance therapy, the dose can be increased to 15 mg once daily if tolerated.
Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities During MM Treatment
Dose modification guidelines, as summarized in Table 2 below, are recommended to manage Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or other Grade 3 or 4 toxicity judged to be related to REVLIMID.
Platelet counts | ||
Thrombocytopenia in MM | ||
When Platelets | Recommended Course | |
Fall below 30,000/mcL | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment, follow CBC weekly | |
Return to at least 30,000/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at next lower dose, continuously for Days 1-28 of repeated 28-day cycle | |
If at the 5 mg daily dose, | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment. Do not dose below 5 mg daily for Day 1 to 21 of 28 day cycle | |
Return to at least 30,000/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at 5 mg daily for Days 1 to 21 of 28-day cycle. Do not dose below 5 mg daily for Day 1 to 21 of 28 day cycle | |
Absolute Neutrophil counts (ANC) | ||
Neutropenia in MM | ||
When Neutrophils | Recommended Course | |
Fall below 500/mcL | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment, follow CBC weekly | |
Return to at least 500/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at next lower dose, continuously for Days 1-28 of repeated 28-day cycle | |
If at 5 mg daily dose, | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment. Do not dose below 5 mg daily for Days 1 to 21 of 28-day cycle | |
Return to at least 500/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at 5 mg daily for Days 1 to 21 of 28-day cycle. Do not dose below 5 mg daily for Days 1 to 21 of 28-day cycle | |
Recommended Dosage for Myelodysplastic Syndromes
The recommended starting dose of REVLIMID is 10 mg daily. Treatment is continued or modified based upon clinical and laboratory findings. Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities During MDS Treatment
Patients who are dosed initially at 10 mg and who experience thrombocytopenia should have their dosage adjusted as follows:
Platelet counts
If thrombocytopenia develops WITHIN 4 weeks of starting treatment at 10 mg daily in MDS
If baseline is at least 100,000/mcL | |
When Platelets | Recommended Course |
Fall below 50,000/mcL | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment |
Return to at least 50,000/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at 5 mg daily |
If baseline is below 100,000/mcL | |
When Platelets | Recommended Course |
Fall to 50% of the baseline value | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment |
If baseline is at least 60,000/mcL and returns to at least 50,000/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at 5 mg daily |
If baseline is below 60,000/mcL and returns to at least 30,000/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at 5 mg daily |
If thrombocytopenia develops AFTER 4 weeks of starting treatment at 10 mg daily in MDS
| When Platelets | Recommended Course |
|---|---|
Fall below 30,000/mcL or below 50,000/mcL with platelet transfusions | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment |
Return to at least 30,000/mcL (without hemostatic failure) | Resume REVLIMID at 5 mg daily |
Patients who experience thrombocytopenia at 5 mg daily should have their dosage adjusted as follows:
If thrombocytopenia develops during treatment at 5 mg daily in MDS
| When Platelets | Recommended Course |
|---|---|
Fall below 30,000/mcL or below 50,000/mcL with platelet transfusions | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment |
Return to at least 30,000/mcL (without hemostatic failure) | Resume REVLIMID at 2.5 mg daily |
Patients who are dosed initially at 10 mg and experience neutropenia should have their dosage adjusted as follows:
Absolute Neutrophil counts (ANC)
If neutropenia develops WITHIN 4 weeks of starting treatment at 10 mg daily in MDS
If baseline ANC is at least 1,000/mcL | |
When Neutrophils | Recommended Course |
Fall below 750/mcL | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment |
Return to at least 1,000/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at 5 mg daily |
If baseline ANC is below 1,000/mcL | |
When Neutrophils | Recommended Course |
Fall below 500/mcL | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment |
Return to at least 500/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at 5 mg daily |
If neutropenia develops AFTER 4 weeks of starting treatment at 10 mg daily in MDS
| When Neutrophils | Recommended Course |
|---|---|
Fall below 500/mcL for at least 7 days or below 500/mcL associated with fever (at least 38.5°C) | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment |
Return to at least 500/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at 5 mg daily |
Patients who experience neutropenia at 5 mg daily should have their dosage adjusted as follows:
If neutropenia develops during treatment at 5 mg daily in MDS
| When Neutrophils | Recommended Course |
|---|---|
Fall below 500/mcL for at least 7 days or below 500/mcL associated with fever (at least 38.5°C) | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment |
Return to at least 500/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at 2.5 mg daily |
Recommended Dosage for Mantle Cell Lymphoma
The recommended starting dose of REVLIMID is 25 mg/day orally on Days 1-21 of repeated 28-day cycles for relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma. Treatment should be continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Treatment is continued, modified or discontinued based upon clinical and laboratory findings.
Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities During MCL Treatment
Dose modification guidelines as summarized below are recommended to manage Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or other Grade 3 or 4 toxicities considered to be related to REVLIMID.
Platelet counts
Thrombocytopenia during treatment in MCL
| When Platelets | Recommended Course |
|---|---|
Fall below 50,000/mcL | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment and follow CBC weekly |
Return to at least 50,000/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at 5 mg less than the previous dose. Do not dose below 5 mg daily |
Absolute Neutrophil counts (ANC)
Neutropenia during treatment in MCL
| When Neutrophils | Recommended Course |
|---|---|
Fall below 1,000/mcL for at least 7 days | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment and follow CBC weekly |
Return to at least 1,000/mcL | Resume REVLIMID at 5 mg less than the previous dose. Do not dose below 5 mg daily |
Recommended Dosage for Follicular Lymphoma or Marginal Zone Lymphoma
The recommended starting dose of REVLIMID is 20 mg orally once daily on Days 1-21 of repeated 28-day cycles for up to 12 cycles of treatment in combination with a rituximab-product. Refer to Section 14.4 for specific rituximab dosing from the AUGMENT trial. For dose adjustments due to toxicity with rituximab, refer to the product prescribing information.
Dose Adjustments for Hematologic Toxicities during FL or MZL Treatment
Dose modification guidelines, as summarized below, are recommended to manage Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or other Grade 3 or 4 toxicity judged to be related to REVLIMID.
Platelet counts
Thrombocytopenia during treatment in FL or MZL
| When Platelets | Recommended Course |
|---|---|
Fall below 50,000/mcL | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment and follow CBC weekly. |
Return to at least 50,000/mcL | If patient starting dose was 20 mg daily, resume REVLIMID at 5 mg less than the previous dose. Do not dose below 5 mg daily. |
Absolute Neutrophil counts (ANC)
Neutropenia during treatment in FL or MZL
| When Neutrophils | Recommended Course |
|---|---|
Fall below 1,000/mcL for at least 7 days | Interrupt REVLIMID treatment and follow CBC weekly. |
Return to at least 1,000/mcL | If patient starting dose was 20 mg daily, resume REVLIMID at 5 mg less than the previous dose. Do not dose below 5 mg daily. |
Dosage Modifications for Non-Hematologic Adverse Reactions
For non-hematologic Grade 3/4 toxicities judged to be related to REVLIMID, hold treatment and restart at the physician's discretion at next lower dose level when toxicity has resolved to Grade 2 or below.
Permanently discontinue REVLIMID for angioedema, anaphylaxis, Grade 4 rash, skin exfoliation, bullae, or any other severe dermatologic reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9, 5.15)].
Recommended Dosage for Patients with Renal Impairment
The recommendations for dosing patients with renal impairment are shown in the following table [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Renal Function | Dose in REVLIMID Combination Therapy for MM and MCL | Dose in REVLIMID Combination Therapy for FL and MZL | Dose in REVLIMID Maintenance Therapy Following Auto-HSCT for MM and for MDS |
CLcr 30 to 60 mL/min | 10 mg once daily | 10 mg once daily | 5 mg once daily |
CLcr below 30 mL/min (not requiring dialysis) | 15 mg every other day | 5 mg once daily | 2.5 mg once daily |
CLcr below 30 mL/min (requiring dialysis) | 5 mg once daily. On dialysis days, administer the dose following dialysis. | 5 mg once daily. On dialysis days, administer the dose following dialysis. | 2.5 mg once daily. On dialysis days, administer the dose following dialysis. |
REVLIMID Combination Therapy for MM: For CLcr of 30 to 60 mL/min, consider escalating the dose to 15 mg after 2 cycles if the patient tolerates the 10 mg dose of lenalidomide without dose-limiting toxicity.
REVLIMID Maintenance Therapy Following Auto-HSCT for MM and for MCL and MDS: Base subsequent REVLIMID dose increase or decrease on individual patient treatment tolerance [see Dosage and Administration (2.1- 2.3)].
REVLIMID Combination Therapy for FL or for MZL: For patients with CLcr of 30 to 60 mL/min, after 2 cycles, the REVLIMID dose may be increased to 15 mg orally if the patient has tolerated therapy.
Administration
Advise patients to take REVLIMID orally at about the same time each day, either with or without food. Advise patients to swallow REVLIMID capsules whole with water and not to open, break, or chew them.
Capsules:
- •
- 2.5 mg, white and blue-green opaque hard capsules imprinted "REV" on one half and "2.5 mg" on the other half in black ink
- •
- 5 mg, white opaque capsules imprinted "REV" on one half and "5 mg" on the other half in black ink
- •
- 10 mg, blue/green and pale yellow opaque capsules imprinted "REV" on one half and "10 mg" on the other half in black ink
- •
- 15 mg, powder blue and white opaque capsules imprinted "REV" on one half and "15 mg" on the other half in black ink
- •
- 20 mg, powder blue and blue-green opaque hard capsules imprinted "REV" on one half and "20 mg" on the other half in black ink
- •
- 25 mg, white opaque capsules imprinted "REV" on one half and "25 mg" on the other half in black ink
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in females exposed to REVLIMID during pregnancy as well as female partners of male patients who are exposed to REVLIMID. This registry is also used to understand the root cause for the pregnancy. Report any suspected fetal exposure to REVLIMID to the FDA via the MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 and also to the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436.
Risk Summary
Based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)] and findings from animal studies [see Data], REVLIMID can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated during pregnancy [see Boxed Warning, Contraindications (4.1), and Use in Specific Populations (5.1)].
REVLIMID is a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a human teratogen, inducing a high frequency of severe and life-threatening birth defects such as amelia (absence of limbs), phocomelia (short limbs), hypoplasticity of the bones, absence of bones, external ear abnormalities (including anotia, micropinna, small or absent external auditory canals), facial palsy, eye abnormalities (anophthalmos, microphthalmos), and congenital heart defects. Alimentary tract, urinary tract, and genital malformations have also been documented and mortality at or shortly after birth has been reported in about 40% of infants.
Lenalidomide caused thalidomide-type limb defects in monkey offspring. Lenalidomide crossed the placenta after administration to pregnant rabbits and pregnant rats [see Data]. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential risk to a fetus.
If pregnancy does occur during treatment, immediately discontinue the drug. Under these conditions, refer patient to an obstetrician/gynecologist experienced in reproductive toxicity for further evaluation and counseling. Report any suspected fetal exposure to REVLIMID to the FDA via the MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 and also to the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The estimated background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2%-4% and of miscarriage is 15%-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
Data
Animal data
In an embryo-fetal developmental toxicity study in monkeys, teratogenicity, including thalidomide-like limb defects, occurred in offspring when pregnant monkeys received oral lenalidomide during organogenesis. Exposure (AUC) in monkeys at the lowest dose was 0.17 times the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 25 mg. Similar studies in pregnant rabbits and rats at 20 times and 200 times the MRHD respectively, produced embryo lethality in rabbits and no adverse reproductive effects in rats.
In a pre- and post-natal development study in rats, animals received lenalidomide from organogenesis through lactation. The study revealed a few adverse effects on the offspring of female rats treated with lenalidomide at doses up to 500 mg/kg (approximately 200 times the human dose of 25 mg based on body surface area). The male offspring exhibited slightly delayed sexual maturation and the female offspring had slightly lower body weight gains during gestation when bred to male offspring. As with thalidomide, the rat model may not adequately address the full spectrum of potential human embryo-fetal developmental effects for lenalidomide.
Following daily oral administration of lenalidomide from Gestation Day 7 through Gestation Day 20 in pregnant rabbits, fetal plasma lenalidomide concentrations were approximately 20-40% of the maternal Cmax. Following a single oral dose to pregnant rats, lenalidomide was detected in fetal plasma and tissues; concentrations of radioactivity in fetal tissues were generally lower than those in maternal tissues. These data indicated that lenalidomide crossed the placenta.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There is no information regarding the presence of lenalidomide in human milk, the effects of REVLIMID on the breastfed child, or the effects of REVLIMID on milk production. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for adverse reactions in breastfed children from REVLIMID, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with REVLIMID.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential
Pregnancy Testing
REVLIMID can cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating REVLIMID therapy and during therapy. Advise females of reproductive potential that they must avoid pregnancy 4 weeks before therapy, while taking REVLIMID, during dose interruptions and for at least 4 weeks after completing therapy.
Females of reproductive potential must have 2 negative pregnancy tests before initiating REVLIMID. The first test should be performed within 10-14 days, and the second test within 24 hours prior to prescribing REVLIMID. Once treatment has started and during dose interruptions, pregnancy testing for females of reproductive potential should occur weekly during the first 4 weeks of use, then pregnancy testing should be repeated every 4 weeks in females with regular menstrual cycles. If menstrual cycles are irregular, the pregnancy testing should occur every 2 weeks. Pregnancy testing and counseling should be performed if a patient misses her period or if there is any abnormality in her menstrual bleeding. REVLIMID treatment must be discontinued during this evaluation.
Contraception
Females
Females of reproductive potential must commit either to abstain continuously from heterosexual sexual intercourse or to use 2 methods of reliable birth control simultaneously: one highly effective form of contraception – tubal ligation, IUD, hormonal (birth control pills, injections, hormonal patches, vaginal rings, or implants), or partner's vasectomy, and 1 additional effective contraceptive method – male latex or synthetic condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap. Contraception must begin 4 weeks prior to initiating treatment with REVLIMID, during therapy, during dose interruptions, and continuing for 4 weeks following discontinuation of REVLIMID therapy. Reliable contraception is indicated even where there has been a history of infertility, unless due to hysterectomy. Females of reproductive potential should be referred to a qualified provider of contraceptive methods, if needed.
Males
Lenalidomide is present in the semen of males who take REVLIMID. Therefore, males must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with females of reproductive potential while taking REVLIMID and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuing REVLIMID, even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy. Male patients taking REVLIMID must not donate sperm and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuing REVLIMID.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use
MM In Combination: Overall, of the 1613 patients in the NDMM study who received study treatment, 94% (1521 /1613) were 65 years of age or older, while 35% (561/1613) were over 75 years of age. The percentage of patients over age 75 was similar between study arms (Rd Continuous: 33%; Rd18: 34%; MPT: 33%). Overall, across all treatment arms, the frequency in most of the adverse reaction categories (eg, all adverse reactions, grade 3/4 adverse reactions, serious adverse reactions) was higher in older (> 75 years of age) than in younger (≤ 75 years of age) subjects. Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in the General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions body system were consistently reported at a higher frequency (with a difference of at least 5%) in older subjects than in younger subjects across all treatment arms. Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in the Infections and Infestations, Cardiac Disorders (including cardiac failure and congestive cardiac failure), Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders, and Renal and Urinary Disorders (including renal failure) body systems were also reported slightly, but consistently, more frequently (<5% difference), in older subjects than in younger subjects across all treatment arms. For other body systems (e.g., Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders, Infections and Infestations, Cardiac Disorders, Vascular Disorders), there was a less consistent trend for increased frequency of grade 3/4 adverse reactions in older vs younger subjects across all treatment arms Serious adverse reactions were generally reported at a higher frequency in the older subjects than in the younger subjects across all treatment arms.
MM Maintenance Therapy: Overall, 10% (106/1018) of patients were 65 years of age or older, while no patients were over 75 years of age. Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions were higher in the REVLIMID arm (more than 5% higher) in the patients 65 years of age or older versus younger patients. The frequency of Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in the Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders were higher in the REVLIMID arm (more than 5% higher) in the patients 65 years of age or older versus younger patients. There were not a sufficient number of patients 65 years of age or older in REVLIMID maintenance studies who experienced either a serious adverse reaction, or discontinued therapy due to an adverse reaction to determine whether elderly patients respond relative to safety differently from younger patients.
MM After At Least One Prior Therapy: Of the 703 MM patients who received study treatment in Studies 1 and 2, 45% were age 65 or over while 12% of patients were age 75 and over. The percentage of patients age 65 or over was not significantly different between the REVLIMID/dexamethasone and placebo/dexamethasone groups. Of the 353 patients who received REVLIMID/dexamethasone, 46% were age 65 and over. In both studies, patients > 65 years of age were more likely than patients ≤ 65 years of age to experience DVT, pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation, and renal failure following use of REVLIMID. No differences in efficacy were observed between patients over 65 years of age and younger patients.
Of the 148 patients with del 5q MDS enrolled in the major study, 38% were age 65 and over, while 33% were age 75 and over. Although the overall frequency of adverse reactions (100%) was the same in patients over 65 years of age as in younger patients, the frequency of serious adverse reactions was higher in patients over 65 years of age than in younger patients (54% vs. 33%). A greater proportion of patients over 65 years of age discontinued from the clinical studies because of adverse reactions than the proportion of younger patients (27% vs. 16%). No differences in efficacy were observed between patients over 65 years of age and younger patients.
Of the 134 patients with MCL enrolled in the MCL trial, 63% were age 65 and over, while 22% of patients were age 75 and over. The overall frequency of adverse reactions was similar in patients over 65 years of age and in younger patients (98% vs. 100%). The overall incidence of grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions was also similar in these 2 patient groups (79% vs. 78%, respectively). The frequency of serious adverse reactions was higher in patients over 65 years of age than in younger patients (55% vs. 41%). No differences in efficacy were observed between patients over 65 years of age and younger patients.
FL or MZL in Combination: Overall, 48% (282/590) of patients were 65 years of age or older, while 14% (82/590) of patients were over 75 years of age. The overall frequency of adverse reactions was similar in patients 65 years of age or older and younger patients for both studies pooled (98%). Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions were higher in the REVLIMID arm (more than 5% higher) in the patients 65 years of age or older versus younger patients (71% versus 59%). The frequency of Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions were higher in the REVLIMID arm (more than 5% higher) in the patients 65 years of age or older versus younger patients in the Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders (47% versus 40%) and Infections and Infestations (16% versus 11%). Serious adverse reactions were higher in the REVLIMID arm (more than 5% higher) in the patients 65 years of age or older versus younger patients (37% versus 18%). The frequency of serious adverse reactions were higher in the REVLIMID arm (more than 5% higher) in the patients 65 years of age or older versus younger patients in Infections and Infestations (15% versus 6%).
Since elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection. Monitor renal function.
Renal Impairment
Adjust the starting dose of REVLIMID based on the creatinine clearance value and for patients on dialysis [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)].
Pregnancy
REVLIMID can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female. Limb abnormalities were seen in the offspring of monkeys that were dosed with lenalidomide during organogenesis. This effect was seen at all doses tested. Due to the results of this developmental monkey study, and lenalidomide's structural similarities to thalidomide, a known human teratogen, lenalidomide is contraindicated in females who are pregnant [see Boxed Warning]. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential risk to a fetus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2), Use in Special Populations (8.1, 8.3)].
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
REVLIMID is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated severe hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) to lenalidomide [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9, 5.15)].