Melatonin - Revlimid (Lenalidomide) Interaction
Herbal: Melatonin
Also Known As: N-Acetyl-5-Methoxytryptamine
Drug: Lenalidomide
Brand names:
Revlimid
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Lenalidomide is classified as belonging to the following category: Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, melatonin might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Melatonin can stimulate immune function. Theoretically, melatonin might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Lissoni P, Barni S, Mandala M, et al. Decreased toxicity and increased efficacy of cancer chemotherapy using the pineal hormone melatonin in metastatic solic tumor patients with poor clinical status. Eur J Cancer 1999;35:1688-92.
Melatonin Overview
Melatonin is a hormone that is produced naturally in the pineal gland. It is involved in several different bodily processes, such as the regulation of the body's sleep-wake cycle.
Melatonin is available as a dietary supplement and is often used to help people with sleep disorders, such as insomnia, fall asleep more easily.
There is some evidence to suggest that melatonin supplements may be helpful in reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and improving sleep quality, although the results of studies on this topic have been mixed. Studies show better support for some specific conditions, such as Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) and Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder.
Melatonin is generally considered to be safe when used in the short term, although it can cause side effects in some people, such as dizziness, headache, and nausea.
While melatonin is a natural hormone, it is often synthesized for its use in dietary supplements.
Lenalidomide Overview
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Lenalidomide is used to treat a certain type of myelodysplastic syndrome (a group of conditions in which the bone marrow produces blood cells that are misshapen and does not produce enough healthy blood cells). Lenalidomide is also used along with dexamethasone to treat people with multiple myeloma (a type of cancer of the bone marrow). It is also used to treat people with multiple myeloma after a hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT; procedure in which certain blood cells are removed from the body and then returned to the body). Lenalidomide is also used to treat people with mantle cell lymphoma (a fast-growing cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system) who have been treated with bortezomib (Velcade) and at least one other medication. Lenalidomide should not be used to treat people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (a type of cancer of the white blood cells that gets worse slowly over time) unless they are participating in a clinical trial (research study to see whether a medication may be used safely and effectively to treat a certain condition). Lenalidomide is in a class of medications called immunomodulatory agents. It works by helping the bone marrow to produce normal blood cells and by killing abnormal cells in the bone marrow.
Melatonin - More Interactions
Melatonin interacts with 1404 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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