Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

Lenvatinib is used to treat thyroid, liver and kidney cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take Lenvatinib once a day. Take the exact dose that your doctor tells you to.
• You may take it with or without food
• Do not break open or crush the capsules. Swallow the capsule whole.
  • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 12 hours to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You or your partner becomes pregnant or is planning for pregnancy
  • You should use effective birth control during and for at least one month after stopping treatment
• You are breastfeeding
  • Do not breastfeed during and for at least one week after stopping treatment
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
• You have any other medical conditions (e.g. heart problems, high blood pressure)
• You have any recent or upcoming surgery

What are some common side effects of this medication?

• Increased blood pressure
  • Monitor your blood pressure regularly and record it down. Inform your doctor if you notice an increasing trend.
• Feeling tired and lack of energy
  • Do not drive or operate machinery when you feel tired
• Diarrhea
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids to replace those lost (two litres everyday)
• Decreased appetite, nausea or vomiting
  • Take small, frequent meals throughout the day
• Mouth sores or ulcers
  • Rinse your mouth after every meal using an alcohol-free mouthwash or salt water
  • Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush
• Voice hoarseness
• Stomach discomfort
• Weight loss
• Joint or muscle ache, headache
  • You may take paracetamol when necessary to help with this
• Palms of the hands or soles of the feet may become numb, sore, red or dry
  • Moisturize these areas daily
  • Avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

• Symptoms of a drug allergy including one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
• Abnormal heartbeat, chest pain or shortness of breath
• Very bad swelling of hands, feet or lower legs
• Dark urine or light coloured stools
• Yellowing of your eyes or skin
• Very bad diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or stomach pain
• Pain while urinating
• Abnormal muscle cramps or numbness
• Unusual weakness, tiredness or lightheadedness
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, black sticky stools or blood in urine

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Avoid medicines that are known to interfere with heart rhythms.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack Lenvatinib into a bag and bring it back to the pharmacy where you received the medication from.

You may refer to the following website if you need more information: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/

Disclaimer

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on August 2020