Pomalidomide
Generic name: pomalidomide [ pom-a-LID-oh-mide ]
Brand name: Pomalyst
Dosage form: oral capsule (1 mg; 2 mg; 3 mg; 4 mg)
Drug classes:Miscellaneous antineoplastics, Other immunosuppressants
What is pomalidomide?
Pomalidomide is used to treat multiple myeloma (cancer resulting from a progressive blood disease). Pomalidomide is usually given after at least two other medications have been tried without success.
Pomalidomide is also used to treat AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma when other medications did not worked or have stopped working. pomalidomide can also be used to treat Kaposi Sarcoma in adults who are HIV-negative.
Pomalidomide is available only from a certified pharmacy under a special program. You must be registered in the program and agree to use birth control measures as required.
Pomalidomide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Never use this medicine if you are pregnant. Even one dose of pomalidomide can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects or death of a baby if the mother or the father is taking this medicine at the time of conception or during pregnancy.
Use birth control to prevent pregnancy, whether you are a man or a woman. For women: Use two forms of birth control beginning 4 weeks before you start taking pomalidomide and ending 4 weeks after you stop taking it. For men: Use a condom to prevent pregnancy while you are taking pomalidomide, and for up to 4 weeks after you stop taking it.
Pomalidomide may cause blood clots. Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech, or swelling or redness in an arm or leg.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use pomalidomide if you are allergic to it, or if you are pregnant.
Pomalidomide can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects or death of a baby if the mother or father is taking pomalidomide at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Even one dose of pomalidomide can cause major defects of the baby's arms and legs, bones, ears, eyes, face, and heart. Never use pomalidomide if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if your period is late while taking pomalidomide.
For women (if you have not had a hysterectomy): Do not use pomalidomide if you are pregnant. Use two forms of birth control beginning 4 weeks before you start taking pomalidomide and ending 4 weeks after your last dose. Even women with fertility problems are required to use birth control while taking pomalidomide. You must also have a negativ...
