Thalidomide - oral


Patient Medicine Information
Why do I need this medicine?
Thalidomide is used together with other medicines to treat a type of cancer called "multiple myeloma". It is used in individuals who have recently been diagnosed with the disease and in those who cannot be treated with high doses of chemotherapy.

This medicine is also used to treat and prevent a skin disease associated with leprosy (a bacterial infection that affects the skin and nerves).
How do I take this medicine?
Take Thalidomide 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.

Take it on an empty stomach at least 1 hour after a meal with a full glass of water. Try to take it at the same time each day, preferably at bedtime.

Do not break, chew, or open the capsule. If the powder content of this medicine comes in contact with your skin, wash the area immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. If the powder content comes in contact with the inside of your nose, mouth, or eyes, flush it well with water.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your disease.
What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine?
If you miss a dose and it is less than 12 hours before the next dose is due, take the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

If it is more than 12 hours before the next dose is due, 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.
When should I not use this medicine?
Alert your doctor if you have a low number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) as Thalidomide may not be suitable for you.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while on Thalidomide therapy, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.

It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods for at least 4 weeks before starting treatment, during therapy, and for at least 4 weeks after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.

Men with partners that may become pregnant must use effective methods of birth control (e.g. condom) during sexual intercourse when taking this medicine and for up to 28 days after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss this further with your doctor.

Alert your doctor if you have any problems complying with the required birth control measures.

Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
What should I take note of while taking this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • high blood pressure
  • high cholesterol levels
  • smoking habits
  • history of blood clot disorder
  • previous liver problems
  • previous nerve problems
  • viral infection e.g. HIV infection, hepatitis B infection
  • severe kidney disease
  • severe liver disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Thalidomide to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Do not donate blood or sperm (for men) during treatment with this medicine. Inform your doctor if it is necessary for you to donate blood or sperm.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
  • Pregnancy tests must be done before, during, or after treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
  • Your doctor may also perform hepatitis B virus screening before starting the treatment.
  • Routine tests (e.g. liver and thyroid function, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
  • Regular monitoring of signs of blood clot problems, nerve problems, and serious skin reactions may also be needed.
What side effects could I experience?
Thalidomide may cause tiredness, dizziness, or drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.

Other side effects may include any of the following: constipation, dry mouth, vomiting, confusion, dry skin, rash, fever, and weakness.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
  • rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
  • tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet
  • absence of menstruation
  • sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • swelling or pain in the legs, particularly in the lower leg or calves
  • chest pain that spreads to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
  • slow heartbeat
  • fits or seizures
  • frequent or persistent sore throat with fever
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Can I take this with other medicines?
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
  • medicines for mood disorders e.g. chlorpromazine, lithium
  • other medicines for cancer e.g. vincristine, bortezomib
  • medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin
  • medicines for stomach ulcer e.g. cimetidine, famotidine
  • medicines for high blood pressure e.g. metoprolol
  • warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
  • strong painkillers
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Thalidomide.

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.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Thalidomide.
How should I store this medicine?
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

As Thalidomide is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired capsules to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.

Follow applicable guidelines when handling this medicine.
This information is independently developed by MIMS based on thalidomide - oral and is provided for your reference only. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and/or the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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