Lenvatinib Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 13, 2024.

Applies to lenvatinib: capsule oral, oral capsule.

Serious side effects of lenvatinib

Along with its needed effects, lenvatinib may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lenvatinib:

More common side effects

• bladder pain
• bleeding gums
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• blood in the urine or stools
• blurred vision or other change in vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• chills
• cloudy urine
• confusion
• constipation
• cough
• coughing up blood
• decreased frequency or amount of urine
• depressed mood
• diarrhea
• difficulty with breathing or swallowing
• dilated neck veins
• dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• dry skin and hair
• feeling cold
• fever
• hair loss
• heavy jaw feeling
• hoarseness or husky voice
• increase in heart rate
• increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
• loosening of a tooth
• lower back or side pain
• muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
• muscle stiffness
• nervousness
• nosebleeds
• numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
• pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth, or jaw
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• paralysis
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• pounding in the ears
• prolonged bleeding from cuts
• rapid or irregular breathing
• rapid weight gain
• red or black, tarry stools
• red or dark brown urine
• redness, swelling, or pain of the skin
• scaling of the skin on the hands and feet
• severe headache
• slow or fast heartbeat
• sore throat
• stomach pain and bloating
• swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• tingling of the hands or feet
• tremor
• ulceration of the skin
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight gain or loss
• vomiting
• wrinkled skin

Less common side effects

• clay-colored stools
• difficulty with speaking
• heartburn or indigestion
• inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
• pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
• severe stomach pain, cramping, or burning
• stomach tenderness
• vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds
• yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

• abnormal small opening
• loss of appetite
• severe nausea or vomiting
• slow wound healing

Other side effects of lenvatinib

Some side effects of lenvatinib may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• belching
• change or loss of taste
• decreased weight
• dry mouth
• hair loss or thinning of the hair
• itching, skin rash
• muscle or joint pain
• swelling or inflammation of the mouth
• trouble sleeping
• voice changes

For healthcare professionals

Applies to lenvatinib: oral capsule.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (73%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, QT prolongation, arterial thromboembolic event, cardiac dysfunction (cardiac failure, decreased ventricular function, pulmonary edema), myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident^[Ref]

Renal

• Very common (10% or more): Proteinuria (34%), renal impairment (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Increased creatinine, renal failure
• Postmarketing reports: Nephrotic syndrome^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Hemorrhagic events (35%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Decreased platelet count
• Postmarketing reports: Arterial (including aortic) aneurysms, dissections, and rupture, impaired wound healing^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperbilirubinemia, increased alkaline phosphatase, increased ALT, increased AST
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hepatic failure, acute hepatitis
• Postmarketing reports: Cholecystitis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (67%), nausea (47%), stomatitis (41%), vomiting (36%), abdominal pain (31%), constipation (29%), oral pain (25%), dry mouth (17%), dyspepsia (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): GI perforation/fistula, increased serum amylase, increased lipase
• Postmarketing reports: Pancreatitis, increased amylase^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (38%), dysgeusia (18%), dizziness (15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Very common (10% or more): TSH suppression impairment (up to 88%)^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (54%), weight decreased (51%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dehydration, hypoalbuminemia, hypomagnesemia, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia, hyperkalemia, hypercholesterolemia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (32%), rash (21%), alopecia (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperkeratosis^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Urinary tract infections (11%)^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Dental and oral infections (10%)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia/myalgia (62%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Osteonecrosis of the jaw^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (67%), peripheral edema (21%)^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (12%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Dysphonia (31%), cough (24%), epistaxis (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pulmonary embolism^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Is lenvatinib an immunotherapy or chemotherapy drug?
• How long does it take for Lenvima to work?
• How long does it take for lenvatinib to work?
• What type of drug is Lenvima? Is it a chemo drug?
• Lenvatinib vs sorafenib: for first line treatment in HCC?
• Is lenvatinib / pembrolizumab used in endometrial cancer?
• How does lenvatinib work?
• How is lenvatinib taken / administered?

Further information

Lenvatinib side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer