Lenvatinib (Lenvima)
Lenvatinib (brand name: Lenvima) is an oral targeted treatment that was developed by Eisai Co. and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015. It is used to treat people with certain kinds of cancer, such as differentiated thyroid cancer, advanced kidney cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Lenvatinib works by blocking the activity of proteins called kinases, which are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels that supply them with oxygen and nutrients. By inhibiting these kinases, lenvatinib can slow down or stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.
How is lenvatinib used?
Lenvatinib is taken as a capsule by mouth once a day, with or without food. The dose depends on the type and stage of cancer, the body weight and the response to treatment. The doctor may adjust the dose or interrupt the treatment if there are serious side effects or complications.
Lenvatinib can be used alone or in combination with other drugs, depending on the type of cancer. For example, it can be used with everolimus for advanced kidney cancer, or with pembrolizumab for hepatocellular carcinoma.
What are the side effects of lenvatinib?
Lenvatinib can cause various side effects, some of which can be serious or life-threatening. The most common side effects include high blood pressure, diarrhea, fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, headache, joint pain and rash.
Some of the serious side effects include bleeding, blood clots, liver damage, kidney damage, heart problems, lung problems, infections, thyroid problems and wound healing problems. Lenvatinib can also harm an unborn baby or affect fertility. Therefore, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take lenvatinib, and men and women should use effective contraception during and after treatment.
It is important to monitor the blood pressure, liver function, kidney function and thyroid function regularly while taking lenvatinib. It is also important to report any signs or symptoms of side effects to the doctor as soon as possible. The doctor may prescribe medications to prevent or treat some of the side effects, or reduce the dose or stop the treatment if needed.
What are the prices of lenvatinib in different countries?
The prices of lenvatinib may vary depending on the country, the supplier, the insurance coverage and the availability of generic versions. The following table shows some examples of prices in different countries as of October 2023 (in US dollars). These prices are for reference only and may not reflect the actual costs or discounts.
| Country | Price per capsule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $166 | [GoodRx](https://www.goodrx.com/lenvima) |
| Canada | $132 | [Pharmacy Checker](https://www.pharmacychecker.com/lenvima) |
| UK | $104 | [NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/lenvatinib/) |
| Australia | $98 | [PBS](https://www.pbs.gov.au/medicine/item/11807T) |
| India | $28 | [Medindia](https://www.medindia.net/drug-price/lenvatinib.htm) |
| China | $25 | [Pharmnet](http://www.pharmnet.com.cn/search/medicine/price/lenvatinib.html) |
What are the top 5 global brands of lenvatinib?
Lenvatinib is marketed under different brand names in different countries. The following are some of the top 5 global brands of lenvatinib, based on the sales revenue in 2022.
- Lenvima (Eisai Co.) – available in USA, Canada, Japan, Europe, Australia and other countries
- Kisplyx (Eisai Co.) – available in Europe and other countries
- Lenvenib (Sun Pharma) – available in India and other countries
- Lenvaxen (Hetero) – available in India and other countries
- Lenvakast (Aprazer) – available in India and other countries
Conclusion
Lenvatinib is a targeted cancer drug that can be used to treat certain types of cancer, such as differentiated thyroid cancer, advanced kidney cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. It has various side effects and interactions that need to be monitored and managed. The prices of lenvatinib vary depending on the country and the supplier. There are different brand names and generic versions of lenvatinib available in the global market.
If you are an exporter based in UAE and want to export lenvatinib to the world market, you need to be aware of the regulations, requirements and opportunities in different countries. You also need to find reliable suppliers, distributors and customers who can offer you competitive prices and quality products. You can contact us for more information and assistance on how to export lenvatinib successfully.