Revlimid is a brand-name oral capsule prescribed for certain blood cancers. It contains the active ingredient lenalidomide. Revlimid is not safe to take during pregnancy. It may not be safe to take while breastfeeding.
Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Revlimid. For a comprehensive look at Revlimid see this article.
Revlimid is not safe to take during pregnancy. The drug has a boxed warning about severe pregnancy harm. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Revlimid contains the drug lenalidomide, which is very similar to the drug thalidomide. During pregnancy, thalidomide can cause pregnancy loss and severe congenital anomalies (also known as birth defects).
In animal studies, Revlimid caused pregnancy loss and severe congenital anomalies in pregnant animals. This information, along with the known side effects of thalidomide, suggests that Revlimid may cause serious problems if taken during pregnancy.
If you can become pregnant, you should begin using at least two methods of birth control 4 weeks before taking Revlimid, while taking Revlimid, and 4 weeks after stopping Revlimid. (For more details, see the “Revlimid and birth control” section.)
Before taking Revlimid, your doctor will enroll you in the Revlimid risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) program. The purpose of this program is to help prevent serious risks to fetuses and help prevent congenital anomalies. People who enroll in the Revlimid REMS program must meet certain requirements before their doctor will prescribe the drug. For more information, visit the program website or call 888-423-5436.
Pregnancy tests
If you can get pregnant, your doctor will check that you aren’t pregnant when you start taking Revlimid. They’ll ask you to take a pregnancy test 10 to 14 days before you start taking the drug. Then, they may have you take one more test the day before your first Revlimid dose.
Once you start taking Revlimid, your doctor will have you routinely take pregnancy tests. You will take tests every week at the beginning of your treatment. Then, you will take tests every 2 to 4 weeks.
There are no clinical trials that look at Revlimid use while breastfeeding. But many drugs do pass through breast milk. If Revlimid passes through breast milk, it could harm a child who is breastfed.
If you’re taking Revlimid and plan to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits.
Revlimid may cause pregnancy loss and severe congenital anomalies if taken during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, pregnancy should be avoided while either partner is taking Revlimid.
You should begin using at least two methods of birth control 4 weeks before you start taking Revlimid. Continue using two methods while taking Revlimid and 4 weeks after you’ve stopped taking it.
It’s important to note that Revlimid is present in the semen of those taking it. People with sexual partners who could become pregnant should always use a condom during sexual activity in the time frame mentioned above. This also applies to people who have had vasectomies. Also, people taking Revlimid should not donate sperm.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.