What is Thalomid: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Thalomid

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: If it is more than 12 hours until your next regular dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is less than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Do not open the blister pack until you are ready to take the capsule. Do not crush, break, chew, or open the capsule. If you touch a broken capsule or the medicine in the capsule, wash your skin with soap and water right away.

• Take this medicine with water at least 1 hour after the evening meal, preferably at bedtime.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Return any unused capsules to your doctor or pharmacist.

• Take this medicine with water at least 1 hour after the evening meal, preferably at bedtime.

• Missed dose: If it is more than 12 hours until your next regular dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is less than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Do not open the blister pack until you are ready to take the capsule. Do not crush, break, chew, or open the capsule. If you touch a broken capsule or the medicine in the capsule, wash your skin with soap and water right away.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Return any unused capsules to your doctor or pharmacist.

What to do if you miss a dose of Thalomid

Thalomid contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to thalidomide. This medicine can cause serious or life-threatening birth defects in unborn babies. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant.

Thalomid warnings

• Slow, uneven, or fast, pounding heartbeat

• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

• Seizures

• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk for blood clots, heart attack, or strokeNerve damage, which may be permanentIncreased risk for bleeding or infectionsIncreased risk for serious skin reactionsDrug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which can damage organs, including the liver, kidney, or heartSeizuresTumor lysis syndrome (electrolyte and metabolic problem that can be life-threatening)

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have bradycardia (slow heartbeat), HIV infection, or a history of seizures, heart attack, or stroke.

• Do not donate blood or sperm while you are taking this medicine and for at least 4 weeks after your last dose.

• Women should use 2 forms of birth control starting 4 weeks before treatment begins, during treatment, and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose. Men should use a condom during sex while they are taking this medicine and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose, even if they had a vasectomy. Continue to use birth control even if the dose is stopped for a short time. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner misses a period or may be pregnant.

Thalomid interactions

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• This medicine may cause you to feel dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded.

• Some medicines can affect how thalidomide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Amiodarone, bortezomib, carbamazepine, cimetidine, cisplatin, digoxin, disulfiram, docetaxel, famotidine, griseofulvin, lithium, metronidazole, modafinil, paclitaxel, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampin, St John wort, vincristineBirth control pillsBlood pressure medicineMedicine to treat depressionMedicine to treat HIV infectionPenicillin antibiotics

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

• Do not receive pembrolizumab together with thalidomide and dexamethasone if you have multiple myeloma.