Lenalidomide Pregnancy: Key Risks & Guidance

When dealing with Lenalidomide Pregnancy, the use of the drug lenalidomide by anyone who is pregnant or could become pregnant. Also known as lenalidomide exposure in pregnancy, it carries serious safety concerns that doctors and patients must navigate together.

Lenalidomide itself is a potent immunomodulatory agent used primarily for Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells that often requires long‑term therapy. Because the drug interferes with DNA synthesis, it is classified by the FDA as a Category X, meaning it is contraindicated in pregnancy due to proven fetal harm. The main hazard is its Teratogenicity, the ability to cause birth defects or pregnancy loss, which has been documented in animal studies and a few human case reports.

Why Strict Contraception Matters

Patients on lenalidomide must follow strict contraception guidelines. The recommended regimen combines a highly effective barrier method (like a condom) with a hormonal birth control method or an intrauterine device. This dual approach reduces the chance of accidental exposure to less than 1 in 10,000. In practice, clinicians schedule regular pregnancy tests before starting therapy and then monthly throughout treatment. If a patient becomes pregnant while on lenalidomide, immediate discontinuation and a thorough obstetric assessment are mandatory.

Understanding the link between Lenalidomide, its mechanism of action and its impact on fetal development helps patients make informed choices. For women of childbearing age, doctors often discuss alternative regimens or dose adjustments to balance cancer control with reproductive safety. Men taking lenalidomide are also advised to use condoms during intercourse, as the drug can be present in semen.

Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that break down the science, share real‑world patient stories, and outline step‑by‑step management plans. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, the resources will give you practical insight into navigating lenalidomide therapy while protecting reproductive health.