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.
Subject: [MOL] thalidamine treatment for colon and lung
cancer
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