Pomalidomide
Pomalidomide Uses
Pomalidomide is used to treat certain types of cancers (such as multiple myeloma, Kaposi sarcoma). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
How to use Pomalidomide Capsule
This medication must be used only within the Pomalyst REMS guidelines in order to avoid any possible exposure of an unborn baby to the drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. See also Warning section.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking pomalidomide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily for 21 days, then stopping the medication for 7 days. This is one cycle of treatment. Continue taking the medication this way as directed by your doctor.
Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not open, break, crush or chew the capsules or handle them more than needed. If any of the powder from the capsule gets on your skin, wash the area with soap and water.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, laboratory test results, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day that you are scheduled to take it.
Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.
Pomalidomide Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Dizziness, confusion, tiredness, weakness, constipation, diarrhea, back/bone pain, muscle pain/cramps, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling/swelling of the arms/legs/hands/feet, shortness of breath.
This medication decreases bone marrow function, an effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: unusual tiredness, pale skin, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, persistent sore throat, cough).
Pomalidomide sometimes causes side effects due to the rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). To lower your risk, your doctor may add a medication and tell you to drink plenty of fluids. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as: low back/side pain (flank pain), signs of kidney problems (such as painful urination, pink/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine), muscle spasms/weakness.
Pomalidomide has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Get medical help right away if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including: severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting.
People who are treated with this medication may rarely get other cancers (such as leukemia). Consult your doctor for more details.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Pomalidomide Precautions
Before taking pomalidomide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to thalidomide or lenalidomide; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, cigarette smoking, heart disease (such as heart attack), blood clots, stroke.
Pomalidomide can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
This drug may make you dizzy or confused. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or confused. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Because pomalidomide can cause severe birth defects or death to an unborn baby, several precautions are noted below.
Do not donate blood during treatment and for at least 1 month after stopping treatment.
Men: Do not donate sperm during treatment and for at least 4 weeks after stopping treatment because pomalidomide passes into semen.
Women: Tell your doctor right away if your period is late or if you have abnormal vaginal (menstrual) bleeding. Use reliable forms of birth control even if you were unable to get pregnant in the past.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. See also Warning section.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Pomalidomide Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause dizziness or confusion including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and opioid pain relievers (such as codeine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause dizziness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Cigarette smoking decreases blood levels of this medication. Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have recently stopped smoking.
Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.
Pomalidomide View Uses, Side Effects and Medicines, cost, Pomalidomide price.
