How is lenvatinib taken / administered?

Lenvatinib (Lenvima) is an oral capsule prescription medication taken by mouth, usually once per day. It is used to treat certain types of cancer. You should take lenvatinib at the same time each day, with or without food. You may need to use lenvatinib with other medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Lenvatinib is used in adult patients. Doses may vary based on the type of cancer being treated or your weight. Follow your dosing instructions very carefully as you may need to take more than one capsule at a time to get your full prescribed dose. Swallow the capsule whole and do not chew, crush, or break it open.

If you cannot swallow a whole capsule you can dissolve the lenvatinib (Lenvima) capsules. Follow these directions:

• Measure one tablespoon of water or apple juice and pour the liquid into a small glass.
• Place the capsules (whole, not crushed or broken) into the liquid. Use only enough medicine for one dose.
• Allow the capsules to dissolve in the liquid for at least 10 minutes. Then, stir the mixture for at least 3 more minutes.
• Drink this mixture right away. Add a little more water or juice to the glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Contact your doctor right away if you have vomiting or severe diarrhea. Prolonged illness can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluid) and kidney failure while you are taking lenvatinib.

If you miss a dose of lenvatinib, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due
within 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time.

You may need to take medicine to prevent diarrhea while you are using lenvatinib. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about when to start taking the anti-diarrhea medicine.

Which cancers can lenvatinib treat?

Lenvatinib (Lenvima) is approved by the FDA for the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer, advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), inoperable hepatocellular (liver) carcinoma (HCC), and endometrial cancer.

The FDA originally approved Eisai’s Lenvima in February 2015. Lenvatinib is classified as a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor that blocks certain proteins that boost cancer cell growth. It is also believed to block signals to help slow down the growth of blood vessels that support the tumor's growth.

Lenvima is used in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for the treatment of certain forms of endometrial cancer, and with everolimus (Afinitor) for patients with advanced renal cell cancer.

Bottom Line

• Lenvatinib is an oral prescription medication that comes as a capsule. It is taken by mouth, usually once per day.
• You should take lenvatinib at the same time each day, with or without food. You may need to use lenvatinib with other medications as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow the capsule whole and do not chew, crush, or break it open. If you cannot swallow a whole capsule, follow the directions in the Patient Information to dissolve the entire capsule in water or apple juice. Ask your doctor pharmacist how to do this.
• Follow your dosing instructions very carefully as you may need to take more than one capsule at a time to get your full prescribed dose.

This is not all the information you need to know about lenvatinib for safe and effective use. Review the full lenvatinib information here, and discuss this information and any questions with your doctor or other health care provider.