What does thalidomide do?
THALIDOMIDE (Thalomid™) alters the
body's immune response. Thalidomide is used to treat diseases and symptoms of
diseases caused by abnormalities in the immune system. Thalidomide also may be
useful in the treatment of various types of cancer. Thalidomide causes severe
birth defects or death to an unborn child and now is only available under strict
guidelines.
What should my health care professional know before I
take thalidomide?
They need to know if you have any of these
conditions:
•pregnant or planning to get pregnant
•breast-feeding or
planning to breast-feed
•tingling or numbness in hands or feet or other nerve
pain
•low white blood cell count
•low blood pressure
How
should I use this medicine?
Thalidomide capsules are taken by mouth
with water. Make sure to follow the directions on your prescription bottle. If
you are only taking thalidomide once a day, take your dose at bedtime at least 1
hour after the evening meal to decrease the drowsiness effects.
NEVER
give this medicine to anyone else.
What if I miss a
dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost
time for your next dose, consult your prescriber or health care professional.
You may need to miss a dose or take a double dose, depending on your condition
and treatment. Do not take double or extra doses without
advice.
What other medicines can interact with
thalidomide?
•any medicines that may decrease the effectiveness of
birth control pills
•alcohol or any medicines that may cause drowsiness -
thalidomide may increase this effect
•any medicines which may cause tingling,
numbness or nerve pain
Tell your prescriber or other health care
professional about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription
medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your
prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with
caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect
the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your
medications.
What side effects may I notice from receiving
thalidomide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber
or health care professional as soon as possible:
•irregular menstrual
bleeding
•missed menstrual cycle
•new or increased tingling or numbness in
hands or feet
•muscle cramps
•rash
Side effects that usually do not
require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional
if they continue or are
bothersome):
•constipation
•drowsiness
•dizziness
•headache
What
do I need to watch for while I receive thalidomide?
Thalidomide
causes severe birth defects or death to an unborn child even after just ONE
capsule. Both men and women must agree to take precautions against exposure of
thalidomide to an unborn child. All patients will receive counseling about the
potential birth defects and must agree to follow the conditions outlined in the
System for Thalidomide Education and Prescribing Safety (STEPS) Program. The
STEPS Program is a program to prevent exposure of thalidomide to an unborn
child. The program involves required pregnancy testing, required birth control
measures for men and women, doctor and patient education, registration of
doctors, pharmacies and patients, and patient consent forms.
You may not
donate blood while taking thalidomide. Men are not permitted to donate sperm
while taking thalidomide.
Thalidomide causes drowsiness that will
decrease as you continue taking the medicine. Be careful driving or operating
machinery while taking thalidomide. Take thalidomide at bedtime to decrease this
effect.
Thalidomide may cause dizziness. Make sure to sit upright for a
few minutes before standing up from a lying or seated position to avoid
falling.
You should take a stool softener (docusate) or fiber-product to
avoid constipation while taking thalidomide.
Where can I keep my
medicine?
Thalidomide may only be prescribed and dispensed by doctors
and pharmacies registered in the STEPS program. Pharmacies may only fill a
prescription if it is less than 7 days old and may only give you a 28—day
supply.
Keep thalidomide out of reach of children and never share this
medication with anyone. Return any unused thalidomide to the pharmacy where your
prescription was filled. Your pharmacy will accept all unused thalidomide as
part of the controlled distribution program.
Do not use beyond the
expiration date on the package. Store this medicine at room temperature 59—86[0]
F (15—30[0]
C) and protect from light.
