Lenalidomide affects the immune system. It promotes immune responses to help slow tumor growth. Lenalidomide treats anemia (a lack of red blood cells in the body), multiple myeloma (cancer resulting from a progressive blood disease), and mantle cell lymphoma (a rare cancer of the lymph nodes). It is used in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome caused by an abnormal chromosome. This disorder is also called deletion 5q MDS, because part of chromosome 5 is missing. In people with this disorder, the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells. Lenalidomide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Revlimid is used to treat anemia in people with bone and blood marrow disorders. Revlimid works by lessening the need for blood transfusions with low red blood cell counts. The drug may be used in combination with other medications to treat other conditions.