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OralChemoEdSheets.com, the Patient and Healthcare Providers Resource

Generic

Lenvatinib

(len-VA-tih-nib)

Brand

Lenvima®

(len-Vee-muh)

Lenvatinib (Lenvima®) is used to treat advanced thyroid cancer and renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), given in combination with another medication, everolimus (Afinitor®).

 
Our Medication Sheet

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Page 1 LENVATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Name of your medication Generic name — lenvatinib len VA tih nib Brand name — Lenvima® len Vee muh Approved uses Lenvatinib is used to treat advanced thyroid cancer and renal cell carcinoma kidney cancer given in combination with another medication everolimus Afinitor® Dose and schedule Taking lenvatinib as instructed is important to allow your treatment to be as effective as possible so here are some key points to remember o Your dose may vary but the usual dose of lenvatinib is 24 milligrams 24 mg for thyroid cancer and 18 mg for kidney cancer to be taken by mouth at a scheduled time once daily o Lenvatinib can be taken with or without food but should be taken at the same time each day o Lenvatinib should be taken whole and not crushed cut or dissolved without proper instructions If you are unable to swallow lenvatinib talk to your care provider or pharmacist for possible options o If you miss a dose of lenvatinib Take the missed dose only if it has been less than 12 hours since you were supposed to take it Then take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time Do not take the missed dose if it has been more than 12 hours since you should have taken it Simply take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time Do not take two doses at one time Be sure to write down if you miss a dose and let your care provider know about any missed doses Storage and handling Handle lenvatinib with care Just like when chemotherapy is given into the vein this drug can be toxic and exposure of the drug to others should be limited o Store lenvatinib at room temperature 68°F–77°F in a dry location away from light o Keep lenvatinib out of reach of children and pets o Leave lenvatinib in the provided packaging until it is ready to be taken o Whenever possible give lenvatinib to yourself and follow the steps below If a family member friend or caregiver needs to give lenvatinib to you they also need to follow these steps 1 Wash hands with soap and water 2 Put on gloves to avoid touching the medication Gloves are not necessary if you give the drug to yourself 3 Gently transfer the lenvatinib from its package to a small medicine or other disposable cup 4 Administer the medicine immediately by mouth with water LENVATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 2 5 Remove gloves and do not use them for anything else 6 Throw gloves and medicine cup in household trash 7 Wash hands with soap and water o If a daily pill box or pill reminder is used a separate one should be used for lenvatinib Do not mix other medications into the box with lenvatinib The person filling the box or reminder should wear gloves Gloves are not necessary if you are filling the box or reminder When empty the box or reminder should be washed with soap and water before refilling Be sure to wash hands with soap and water after the task is complete whether or not gloves are worn o If you have any unused lenvatinib do not throw it in the trash and do not flush it down the sink or toilet Talk to your care provider or pharmacist about proper disposal of lenvatinib o If you are traveling put your lenvatinib in a sealed plastic bag Ask your pharmacist if any additional travel precautions are needed Handling body fluids and waste Lenvatinib remains in your body for several days after it is taken so some of the drug may be present in urine stool sweat or vomit Once you have started to take lenvatinib it is important to follow the instructions below every day for as long as your treatment lasts This will keep yourself loved ones and the environment as safe as possible o Pregnant women should avoid touching anything that may be soiled with body fluids from the patient o Toilet and septic systems You may use the same toilet septic tank and/or sewer that you usually use If you have a low flow toilet close the lid and flush twice to ensure all waste has been discarded If the toilet or toilet seat becomes soiled with urine stool or vomit clean the surfaces before other people use the toilet Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet o If you need a bedpan be sure your caregiver knows to wear gloves to assist with cleanup and to wash the bedpan with soap and water every day o If you do not have good control of bladder or bowels use a disposable pad with a plastic back a diaper or a sheet to absorb body waste o Wash any skin that has been exposed to body waste or lenvatinib with soap and water o Linens or clothing that are soiled with body fluids or body waste should be washed separately from other linens and clothing If you do not have a washer place the soiled linens in a plastic bag until they can be washed o Wash hands with soap and water after touching linens or clothing that may be soiled with body fluids Drug and food interactions o Lenvatinib has many drug interactions Inform your care providers of all prescription medications over the counter medications vitamins and herbal products that you are taking o Talk with your care provider or pharmacist before taking new medications or supplements or receiving any vaccines LENVATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 3 Side Effects of Lenvatinib The common side effects that have been known to happen in more than 30% of patients taking lenvatinib are listed in the left side of this table You MAY NOT experience these side effects Options to help manage any side effects that do occur are included on the right side of this table These should be discussed with your care provider If you experience any side effect you cannot manage or that is not listed here contact your care provider Possible Side Effect Management Increased blood pressure Routinely take your blood pressure Record your blood pressure readings in a journal/diary and report them to your physician Contact your healthcare provider for high blood pressure or if symptoms such as the following occur Headache Dizziness Chest pain Shortness of breath Fluid retention weight gain or swelling Diarrhea loose and/or urgent bowel movements Monitor how many bowel movements you have each day Drink 8–10 glasses of water or fluid each day unless your care provider has instructed you to limit your fluid intake related to some other health problem Eat small frequent meals throughout the day rather than a few large meals Eat bland low fiber foods e g bananas applesauce potatoes chicken rice toast Avoid high fiber foods such as raw vegetables raw fruits and whole grains Avoid foods that cause gas such as broccoli and beans Avoid lactose containing foods such as yogurt and milk Avoid spicy fried and greasy foods Contact your provider if any of the following occur The number of bowel movements you have in a day increases by four or more You feel dizzy or lightheaded Your care provider may recommend an over the counter medication called loperamide Imodium® to help with your diarrhea but talk to your care provider before starting this medication Fatigue You may be more tired than usual or have less energy Stay as active as possible but know it is okay to rest as needed Try to do some activity every day Plan your activities and do them at a time of day when you feel a bit more energetic Avoid operating heavy machinery if you feel too tired LENVATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 4 Possible Side Effect Management Muscle or joint pain or weakness Keep a diary of your pain including a description of when and where the pain is occurring what it feels like and how long it lasts Stay as active as possible but know that it is okay to rest as needed too Tell your care provider if pain interferes with your activity If the pain or weakness bothers you ask your provider how you may ease this discomfort Take only pain medication that has been prescribed or recommended by your care provider Nausea or vomiting Eat and drink slowly Drink 8–10 glasses of water or fluid each day unless your care provider has instructed you to limit your fluid intake Eat small frequent meals throughout the day rather than a few large meals Eat bland foods; avoid spicy fried and greasy foods Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating Don’t lie down immediately after eating Avoid strong odors Let your provider know if you experience nausea or vomiting Your provider may prescribe medication that can help Decreased appetite or weight loss Talk to your provider if you notice a decrease in your weight while taking this medication When you don’t feel like eating try the following Eat frequent meals instead of three large meals each day Keep snacks nearby so you can eat when you feel hungry Drink liquid nutritional supplements Drink 8–10 glasses of water or fluid each day especially if you are not eating unless your care provider has instructed you to limit your fluid intake Mouth irritation or sores Practice good mouth care Rinse your mouth frequently Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush or cotton swab after meals Use a mild nonalcohol mouth rinse at least four times a day after eating and at bedtime For example you can use a mixture of 1/8 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of warm not hot water If you have sores in your mouth avoid using tobacco products alcohol and mouthwashes that contain alcohol Call your care provider if you experience pain or sores in your mouth or throat LENVATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 5 Possible Side Effect Management Headache Ask your provider what you may use to ease headaches Contact your care provider immediately if your headache Follows a head injury Is severe especially if it starts suddenly Does not go away after three days Is associated with vomiting visual disturbance neck stiffness drowsiness confusion made worse by coughing or lowering the head rash weakness in an arm or leg or numbness Abdominal pain Abdominal pain or discomfort may occur Report any serious pain or symptoms to your care provider immediately Fluid retention or swelling Do not stand for long periods of time Keep your legs elevated when sitting or lying down Avoid eating salty foods which can increase swelling Avoid wearing tight fitting clothing and shoes Weigh yourself daily Contact your care provider if you notice any of the following Swelling in the hands feet or legs Shortness of breath Weight gain of five pounds or more in a week Cough or shortness of breath A cough that does not produce any mucous or congestion relief dry cough may occur while taking this medication If you experience any breathing problems or shortness of breath notify your care provider immediately This may be a serious side effect of the medication Pain or discomfort in hands and/or feet Hand–foot skin reaction HFSR appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet It can appear as a rash callus peeling skin and increased sensitivity to heat or a “pins and needles” sensation Let your care provider know right away if you experience this side effect To prevent HFSR try the following Soak your feet in a water bath with Epsom salts and gently pumice any callused skin Exfoliate and moisturize hands and feet Avoid tight shoes or socks Use cushioning i e gloves when doing activities that increase pressure on the palms of your hands Kidney damage Your care provider will monitor your kidney function by checking the amount of protein in your urine LENVATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 6 Pregnancy sexual activity and contraception o Women should not become pregnant and men should not get a partner pregnant while taking lenvatinib which could cause fetal harm Men and women of childbearing age and potential should use effective contraception during therapy and for a minimum of two weeks after the last dose of lenvatinib o Do not breastfeed while taking lenvatinib and for two weeks after the last dose of lenvatinib o Inform your care provider if you become pregnant o It is safe to hug and kiss Special precautions may be needed for sexual activity while on lenvatinib and you are encouraged to ask your care provider Obtaining medication Talk with your care provider about how to obtain your lenvatinib PHARMACY OR SPECIALTY PHARMACY CONTACT INFO If you experience ANY uncontrolled side effect call your physician or healthcare center immediately INSTITUTIONAL CONTACT INFO Possible Side Effect Management Increased risk for bleeding You may be at higher risk for bleeding and may bruise or bleed more easily than usual Use caution to avoid bruises cuts or burns Blow your nose gently and do not pick your nose Brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush and maintain good oral hygiene When shaving use an electronic razor instead of razor blades Use a nail file instead of a nail clippers Call your care provider if you have bleeding that won’t stop Examples include A bloody nose that bleeds for more than five minutes despite pressure A cut that continues to ooze despite pressure Gums that bleed excessively when you floss or brush Seek medical help immediately if you experience any severe headaches blood in your urine or stool coughing up blood or prolonged or uncontrolled bleeding Voice changes or hoarseness These changes are not permanent and should go away during the time you are not taking the medication ABIRATERONE ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 7 LENVATINIB Page 7 Important notice The Association of Community Cancer Centers ACCC Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association HOPA National Community Oncology Dispensing Association Inc NCODA and Oncology Nursing Society ONS have collaborated in gathering information for and developing this patient education guide This guide represents a brief summary of the medication derived from information provided by the drug manufacturer and other resources This guide does not cover all existing information related to the possible uses directions doses precautions warnings interactions adverse effects or risks associated with this medication and should not substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional Provision of this guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or imply endorsement recommendation or favoring of this medication by ACCC HOPA NCODA or ONS who assume no liability for and cannot ensure the accuracy of the information presented The collaborators are not making any representations with respect to the medications whatsoever and any and all decisions with respect to such medications are at the sole risk of the individual consuming the medication All decisions related to taking this medication should be made with the guidance and under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional Permission Oral Chemotherapy Education OCE sheets are provided as a free educational resource for patients with cancer in need of concise easy to understand information about oral cancer drugs Healthcare providers are permitted to copy and distribute the sheets to patients as well as direct patients to the OCE website for information However commercial reproduction or reuse as well as rebranding or reposting of any type are strictly prohibited without permission of the copyright holder Please email permission requests and licensing inquiries to Contact@NCODA org Copyright © 2017 by Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association All rights reserved Additional instructions Additional resources Product website http //www lenvima com Product prescribing information http //www lenvima com/pdfs/prescribing information pdf Product resources http //www lenvima com/RAI R differentiated thyroid cancer/resources Updated – August 27 2017

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