Anyone taking Lenvima (lenvatinib)?

As posted previously, I’m one week out from completing 1 year on Lenvima. I wrote this in the spirit of sharing so others may better understand the approach in my case addressing papillary thyroid carcinoma (tall cell) as a 71 yoa male. As documented in the literature and as per my oncologist, patients that are prescribed Lenvima as treatment plan may experience a range of side effects. However it’s important to understand that each patient is different as to their ability to tolerate Lenvima and the variability of side effects encountered. In other words each patients journey will likely be different but hopefully all with positive outcomes. So my year with Lenvima was indeed a challenging journey, I lost 60 lbs, I had days when I was quite ill, difficult to get out of bed, and days that were almost normal, no pain or aches. What follows is the list of side effects while on 24mg, 20mg and 14mg Lenvima.
Dry mouth (continuous)
No appetite, nausea, acidic stomach, difficulty eating solid foods, unable to taste food, frequent diarrhea, Hands & feet sensitivity, veins in hands protrude excessively, hands easily bruised and bleed. Excessive fatigue, feel generally weak, easily exhausted when doing physical tasks. Frequent voice hoarseness.
As a result of the cancer I have permanent damage to my laryngeal nerve damage (voice is somewhat raspy). However with all of this I have made significant progress in terms of tumors have shrunk steadily during the 12 month course. This progress has been well documented with PET scan every 3 months. I’m currently on 10mg Lenvima but will be adjusted to 14mg starting first week August 2026. The increase is essentially to help boost and or support my continued progress for further tumor reduction. It hasn’t been an easy year but I certainly felt like the drugs negative impact on my quality of life was balanced by my overall positive progress in halting tumor growth and significant reduction.
Dennis S

@dmsens73

I have been on lenvima. But had to stop each time for bleeding and clotting. I started at 24mg down to 4mg and still bleeding like l am on my period. I see my oncologist on 9/1 to discuss what next. Did you have any bad side effects?

I’m sorry to hear you had this side effect. First, your most important step is to obtain consultation with your oncologist as soon as practical. In the literature that is packaged with the Lenvima. It’s quite extensive, and in part it discusses the range of side effects that are relevant to this drug, bleeding is one of those listed side effects. However, when you meet with your oncologist (I’m assuming you have a type of thyroid cancer) and in the case Lenvima is not suited to your medical situation, there are several drugs that may be used as a next step, also other procedures, radiation, surgery. All of this will be covered by your oncologist.
In my case I did not experience that particular side effect, as I’ve learned each thyroid cancer patient often presents a unique profile. I trust you are receiving excellent care at your treatment facility, and so you can expect medical care that will adjust your treatment plan that promotes the best outcome. Medicine has had many advances in recent times with respect to thyroid cancer, I trust you will have a productive visit on 9/1. Best wishes, dms