Lenvima (lenvatinib) is a brand-name oral capsule that’s prescribed for certain types of cancer in adults. As with other drugs, Lenvima can cause side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Lenvima can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Lenvima in clinical trials:
- fatigue
- nausea
- headache
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- high blood pressure*
* This is a serious side effect of Lenvima. For details, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Mild side effects can occur with Lenvima use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. Possible side effects may vary based on the type of cancer you’re taking Lenvima to treat. For more information, you can refer to Lenvima’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects that have been reported with Lenvima for all its uses include:
- fatigue
- nausea
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- joint or muscle pain
- weight loss
- abdominal pain
- hand-foot syndrome (HFS)*
- mild allergic reaction†
Additional side effects were reported for different Lenvima uses, as listed in the table below:
| Lenvima use‡ | Side effect |
|---|---|
| thyroid cancer | • mouth sores • headache • vomiting |
| kidney cancer | • difficulty breathing • constipation • cough • swelling of your hands or feet |
| liver cancer | • hoarse voice • skin rash • bleeding |
| endometrial cancer | • mouth sores • constipation • vomiting • urinary tract infection (UTI) |
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Lenvima and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Lenvima. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.
‡ Lenvima is approved to treat specific types of cancer in certain situations. For details, see the “Uses” section of this article.
Lenvima may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Lenvima’s prescribing information.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Lenvima, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:
- Blood clots that could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Symptoms may differ depending on where the blood clot is but can include:
- chest pain
- pain in your neck, jaw, back, or arms
- shortness of breath
- numbness or weakness on one side of your body
- severe headache
- sudden change in your vision
- Liver problems, including liver failure. Symptoms can include:
- jaundice
- nausea and vomiting
- dark urine
- severe upper abdominal pain
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Symptoms can include:
- swelling in your legs or ankles
- confusion
- producing less urine than usual
- nausea
- Heart problems, such as heart failure. Symptoms can include:
- swelling in your legs or ankles
- shortness of breath
- Protein in your urine. Symptoms can include:
- producing more urine than usual
- foamy urine
- swelling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
- Bleeding problems. Symptoms can include:
- severe nosebleeds
- blood in your urine
- coughing up blood
- Long QT interval (a type of irregular heart rhythm). Symptoms can include:
- dizziness
- fast heart rate
- fainting
- Fistula (an abnormal connection between two organs). Symptoms can include:
- severe abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- fever
- Gastrointestinal perforation (a tear in the wall of your stomach or intestine). Symptoms can include:
- severe abdominal pain and tenderness
- fever
- nausea or vomiting
- Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone level). Symptoms can include:
- feeling cold
- weight gain
- dry skin
- Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (a type of swelling in your brain). Symptoms can include:
- severe headache
- seizures
- weakness
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw (jaw bone death or damage). Symptoms may include:
- jaw pain
- swollen gums
- mouth sores
- Low calcium level in your blood. Symptoms can include:
- fatigue
- muscle spasms
- problems with memory
- Slow wound healing.
- Severe diarrhea.
- High blood pressure.*
- Severe allergic reaction.†
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Lenvima. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.
Lenvima may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.
How do side effects of Lenvima compare with those seen with Keytruda?
Lenvima and Keytruda (pembrolizumab) have many similar side effects and others that vary. More common side effects that can occur with both medications include:
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- nausea
- joint pain
- decreased appetite
- mouth sores
- liver and kidney problems
- hand-foot syndrome (HFS)*
Some side effects unique to Lenvima include heart and blood vessel problems and slow wound healing. Unlike Lenvima, Keytruda can cause infusion reactions, lung problems, and organ transplant rejection.
Keytruda can also affect your immune system, resulting in serious side effects. Specifically, your body may attack your organs and other tissues, causing inflammation throughout your body. This is a rare but serious side effect that can happen during or after stopping Keytruda treatment.
Lenvima and Keytruda may be prescribed together to treat endometrial cancer and kidney cancer. Lenvima, an oral capsule, helps prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading. Keytruda, an intravenous (IV) infusion, works with your immune system to find and attack cancer cells.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the side effects you may experience with Lenvima or Keytruda.
* For details about HFS, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.
Do side effects of Lenvima go away?
Some of Lenvima’s side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the drug. Examples include nausea and low appetite.
Other side effects, such as high blood pressure,* diarrhea, or fatigue, may continue during treatment.
It’s also possible that Lenvima may cause serious side effects that can lead to long lasting problems. For example, blood clots can lead to serious cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack or stroke. These conditions could lead to long-term treatment or recovery times.
If your side effects don’t go away and are bothersome or serious, talk with your doctor. They may need to reduce your Lenvima dose or, in some cases, stop treatment. They can also suggest ways to manage side effects.
* This is a serious side effect of Lenvima. For details, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Learn more about some of the side effects that Lenvima may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Lenvima.
Hand-foot syndrome
It’s possible to develop hand-foot syndrome (HFS) while taking Lenvima. This side effect was commonly reported in the drug’s clinical trials.
Symptoms of HFS typically include:
- skin discoloration on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
- burning or tingling in your hands or feet
- itching
- cracked, flaky, or peeling skin
- severe pain, making it hard to use your hands and feet
What you can do
If you notice symptoms of HFS or other skin changes on your palms or soles, tell your doctor right away. They can suggest ways to treat your symptoms or keep them from getting worse, such as:
- applying a cold pack or cool compress to the area
- taking a cool bath or shower
- using mild hand soap and laundry detergent
- applying a mild moisturizer
- avoiding hot water
If your symptoms are more severe, your doctor may prescribe medications you apply to the skin. This can help relieve swelling or pain.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about HFS.
High blood pressure
An increase in blood pressure was a common side effect in people taking Lenvima in clinical trials. Having high blood pressure increases your risk of serious cardiovascular problems, such as blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. It can also increase your risk of kidney damage.
High blood pressure typically doesn’t cause symptoms unless it’s very high. Symptoms can include:
- headache
- dizziness
- shortness of breath
What you can do
Your doctor will check your blood pressure frequently during your treatment with Lenvima. You can also check your blood pressure yourself. Some pharmacies have blood pressure machines you can use in the store. Most pharmacies also sell blood pressure monitors that are easy to use at home.
Tell your doctor if you notice that your blood pressure is elevated. If your blood pressure gets too high, your doctor will prescribe medication to lower it. They may also need to lower your dose or have you stop taking Lenvima if your blood pressure is too high.
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, Lenvima can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:
- skin rash
- itching
- flushing
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
What you can do
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Lenvima. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
This drug comes with several precautions. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Lenvima. This drug may not be the right treatment option for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These include:
High blood pressure: Lenvima may increase your blood pressure as a side effect. If you have high blood pressure, taking Lenvima could worsen it. Due to this risk, your doctor will check your blood pressure before starting Lenvima. (Note: High blood pressure is a serious side effect of Lenvima. For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.)
Low levels of electrolytes: You have a higher risk of heart problems from taking Lenvima if you have low blood levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium. You’ll have blood tests before and during Lenvima treatment to check your electrolyte levels. If they’re low, your doctor will recommend treatment to increase them before you start Lenvima. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to correct any electrolyte imbalances that develop.
A history of blood clots: Taking Lenvima can cause blood clots that may lead to a heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you’ve had these conditions previously. They can determine whether Lenvima is right for you. If you get a blood clot during treatment with Lenvima, your doctor will likely have you stop taking the drug.
Low thyroid hormone levels: Lenvima can lower your thyroid hormone levels. If you currently have low thyroid hormone levels, talk with your doctor before starting Lenvima. They’ll check your thyroid hormone levels before and during Lenvima treatment. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat low levels. If you already take thyroid medication, they may adjust your dose.
Kidney problems: Lenvima can cause serious kidney problems, including kidney failure. For this reason, you’ll have blood and urine tests during treatment to check your kidney function. Talk with your doctor if you already have kidney problems. They’ll determine whether Lenvima is the right treatment option for you.
Liver problems: If you have liver disease, such as hepatitis or liver failure, talk with your doctor before taking Lenvima. Lenvima therapy could worsen your condition. Your doctor can determine whether treatment with Lenvima is safe for you.
Recent or planned surgery: If you’ve had a recent surgery, talk with your doctor before taking Lenvima. Lenvima use can make it harder for your wounds to heal. Your doctor will likely have you wait at least 2 weeks after a major surgery and after your wound has healed before starting Lenvima. Also tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery. You’ll likely need to stop therapy 1 week before surgery. For more information about this, talk with your doctor.
Gastrointestinal perforation or fistula: Tell your doctor if you’ve ever had a gastrointestinal tear or fistula. You may have an increased risk of this side effect of Lenvima. Your doctor will advise whether Lenvima is right for you.
Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lenvima or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Lenvima. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, Lenvima is not considered safe for your child. Be sure to tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. They can let you know about other treatment options for your condition.
Alcohol consumption: There are no known interactions between Lenvima and alcohol. However, drinking alcohol during treatment may worsen certain side effects of Lenvima, such as nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Alcohol can also increase your risk of liver problems, just like Lenvima. (See “Liver problems” above.) Talk with your doctor if you drink alcohol. They can tell you how much is safe for you to drink while taking Lenvima.
Like all medications, Lenvima can cause side effects. In some cases, the medication can cause serious side effects that may require treatment. You should talk with your doctor if any side effects last, are bothersome, or are serious.
If you’d like to learn more about Lenvima, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.
Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:
- More information about Lenvima: For details about other aspects of Lenvima, refer to this article.
- A look at your condition: For details about the types of cancer Lenvima is prescribed to treat, see our cancer hub.
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.