Pomalidomide
About
Pomalidomide belongs to the group of immunomodulatory drugs used to treat a type of blood cancer called multiple myeloma in adults 18 years or older. Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, is a type of bone marrow cancer that affects several areas of the body, such as the spine, skull, pelvis, and ribs.
Pomalidomide contains Pomalidomide. Pomalidomide is both a targeted therapy drug and an immunotherapy drug. It works in several different ways. It can help the immune system attack and destroy cancer cells (immune system modulator); it kills or stops cancer cells' growth (cancer growth inhibitor). On the other side, it can block the development of new blood vessels, which cancer cells need to grow and spread (angiogenesis inhibitor).
Pomalidomide is a prescription-only medicine. Take Pomalidomide as prescribed. Pomalidomide may be taken with or without food. In some cases, Pomalidomide may cause certain common side effects such as nausea, rash or allergic reactions, breathing problems, infection, low blood counts, bruising, chest pain, constipation, confusion, dizziness, diarrhoea, fever, faintness, and headaches. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Before taking the Pomalidomide, inform your doctor about all your allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to medicines or food. Pomalidomide can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. It is critical not to become pregnant or get pregnant while undergoing therapy and for several months afterwards. Before beginning treatment, discuss effective contraception with your healthcare professional. Inform them immediately if you or your partner becomes pregnant while undergoing therapy. Breastfeeding is usually not advised during this treatment since it is unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk.
Uses of Pomalidomide
Medicinal Benefits
Pomalidomide contains Pomalidomide. It is both a targeted therapy drug and an immunotherapy drug. It works in several different ways. It can assist the immune system in attacking and destroying cancer cells (immune system modulator) and kill or stop cancer cell growth (cancer growth inhibitor). On the other hand, it can prevent the formation of new blood vessels, which cancer cells require in order to grow and spread (angiogenesis inhibitor).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pomalidomide
- Anaemia
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea
- Rash or Allergic Reactions
- Breathing Problems
- Infection
- Low Blood Counts
- Bruising
- Chest Pain
- Constipation
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Feeling Faint
- Headache
- Injury
- Swelling
- Itching
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Pomalidomide, inform your doctor about your medical history and other medications you are currently taking to rule out any potential negative effects. Avoid taking Pomalidomide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or allergic to any component present in Pomalidomide. Both women and men using this Pomalidomide should use birth control to avoid pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you have a history of infections; your doctor will closely monitor and manage it. Pomalidomide can lower the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. Anaemia and weariness can result from a low red blood cell count. A blood transfusion may be required if you are anaemic. A low white blood cell count increases the risk of infection, necessitating additional precautions such as rigorous hand washing and avoiding infected people. A fever or temperature of 370 C or above indicates infection. If a patient's temperature is 380 C or higher, medical attention should be sought right away.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Pomalidomide may interact with medicines used to treat cancer (e.g. adalimumab, avelumab), immunomodulatory medication (e.g. baricitinib, fingolimod, leflunomide), vaccines (e.g. BCG Vaccine, measles virus vaccine), and antipsychotic medication (e.g. clozapine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have bone marrow depression/low blood counts, arterial thromboembolic events (myocardial infarction and stroke), thromboembolic events (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), renal or hepatic impairment and infections (Bacterial/Fungal/Protozoal/Viral).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Pomalidomide.
Pregnancy
unsafePomalidomide should not be taken during pregnancy as it might cause fetal harm. Inform your doctor immediately if you are conceiving while on therapy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeYou should not breastfeed when taking Pomalidomide as it is unknown if the Pomalidomide can pass to your baby in the milk.
Driving
cautionThis treatment will make you feel very tired. If you feel tired or sleepy, do not drive or use machinery.
Liver
cautionTreatment with Pomalidomide may affect how your liver works. Please inform your doctor before prescribing Pomalidomide if you have liver impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Pomalidomide.
Kidney
cautionTreatment with Pomalidomide may affect how your kidneys work. Please inform your doctor before prescribing Pomalidomide if you have kidney impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Pomalidomide.
Children
consult your doctorIt is not known if Pomalidomide is safe and effective in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- Monitoring of complete blood count while taking Pomalidomide is advised.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent urinary problems.
- If you are due to have any surgery, inform the doctor that you are taking Pomalidomide.
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping at night is a common side effect of Pomalidomide. This may be minimised by taking Pomalidomide in the morning.
- Women who are being given Pomalidomide should use effective contraception during treatment and for three months after treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that make antibodies that protect us from infection. In myeloma, the cells grow too much, crowding out normal cells in the bone marrow that make red blood cells, platelets, and other white blood cells. Multiple myeloma, the most common type of plasma cell tumour, develops in the bone marrow and can spread throughout the body.
FAQs
Pomalidomide contains Pomalidomide. Pomalidomide is both a targeted therapy drug and an immunotherapy drug. It works in several different ways. It can help the immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells (immune system modulator); it kills or stops the growth of cancer cells (cancer growth inhibitor). On the other side, it can block the development of new blood vessels, which cancer cells need to grow and spread (angiogenesis inhibitor).
No, it is unsafe to father a child while taking Pomalidomide. It is recommended for sexually active men to use condoms while on treatment and for at least six months after their last dose of Pomalidomide.
Pomalidomide can affect the results of this blood test. Tell the person doing the test that you are using Pomalidomide.
Based on the medical condition, Pomalidomide may be given alone or with other medicines used to treat multiple myeloma.
Pomalidomide can cause a significant decrease in the number of blood cells and platelets. Your doctor may suggest laboratory tests before and during the treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop a fever or have signs of bruising or bleeding.
