Pomalidomide is used together with other medicine to treat multiple myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow). It is used for those whose disease has progressed after prior therapy from lenalidomide and bortezomib regimen.
Take Pomalidomide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the capsule. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Pomalidomide is usually taken for 21 days of a 28-day cycle. The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is more than 12 hours since you missed the dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Pomalidomide if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Pomalidomide may cause harm to your unborn child. It is important that you do not get pregnant for at least 4 weeks before treatment, while taking this medicine, during any breaks (interruption), and for at least 4 weeks after stopping the treatment. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- blood clot disorder or risk factors for blood clot disorder e.g. cigarette smoker, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level
- infections e.g. Hepatitis B infection
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- neuropathy (nerve disorder causing numbness, weakness, tingling, abnormal coordination or pain in your hands or feet)
- high amount of tumour in your body
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Do not donate blood or semen while taking this medicine, during any breaks (interruption), or for at least 1 week after stopping the treatment.
Wear gloves when handling this medicine to minimise any skin contact. If contact with broken capsules occurs, wash your hands immediately and thoroughly.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- You may need to have routine blood tests (e.g. liver and kidney function tests, cholesterol level, complete blood count) while you are being treated with Pomalidomide. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
- Pregnancy test may be done prior to initiation, during and one month after medication.
Pomalidomide may cause drowsiness, dizziness or confusion. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fever, itchiness, muscle and/or bone pain, loss of appetite, infections, weight loss, tiredness, weakness, rashes.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- shortness of breath
- swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
- frequent and persistent sore throat with fever and any other signs of infection
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- chest pain
- numbness, tingling, abnormal coordination or pain in your hands or feet
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin
- medicine to treat depression e.g. fluvoxamine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Pomalidomide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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