All you need to know about Thalidomide

What is Thalidomide:

This, 1998 approved immunomodulatory agent is indicated:

• as a first-line treatment in multiple myeloma together with the dexamethasone or with melphalan and prednisone. 
• for the treatment of acute episodes of erythema nodosum leprosum, and for maintenance therapy. 
• in order to treat graft-versus-host disease. 

How should I take THALIDOMIDE?

Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Thalidomide should be kept in the blister pack until you consume your daily dose. Swallow thalidomide capsules whole with water.

It should be taken 1 time each day, at least 1 hour after your evening meal. Bedtime is the preferred time to take this medication. 

Do not open or crush thalidomide capsules. 

Who should not take Thalix(THALIDOMIDE)? 

Do not take thalidomide if you: 

• are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or become pregnant during treatment with this medication.
• are allergic to thalidomide or any of the ingredients thalix. 

How does Thalidomide work: It mainly works by helping the immune system and directly attacking the cancer. It functions in multiple ways:

• by blocking the cancer cells developing. 
• by blocking blood vessels growing in the cancer. 
• by stimulating part of the immune system in order to attack the cancer cells.

What are the Possible Side Effects: The most commonly reported thalidomide side effects in order to treat multiple myeloma include:

• nausea 
• anxiety 
• decreased energy
• tremor 
• fever 
• weight loss 
• blood clots 
• muscle twitching
• cramping 
• weight gain 
• dizziness 
• dry skin
• tiredness 
• constipation 
• numbness or tingling 
• shortness of breath 
• muscle weakness 
• low blood counts 
• skin rash or peeling
• confusion 
• decreased appetite
• decreased calcium levels 
• swelling of the hands and feet 

The most commonly reported side effects of thalidomide for treatment of leprosy include: 

• sleepiness
• rash
• headache 

These above mentioned terms are not all the possible adverse reactions of thalidomide.

Warning & Precautions:

• If powder of thalidomide 100 mg capsules comes in contact with your skin, wash your skin right away with the help of soap and water.
• If powder of thalidomide 50 mg capsules comes in contact with your mouth, eyes, and nose, flush well with the help of water.
• Do not share this medication with other patients.
• During thalidomide uses, avoid donating blood and sperm. 
• The thalidomide 50 mg frequently causes drowsiness as well as somnolence. Patients must be instructed in order to avoid situations where drowsiness may be a problem. 
• The thalidomide dosage may cause dizziness as well as orthostatic hypotension, patients must be informed, they should sit upright for several minutes prior to standing up from a recumbent position.

What should I tell my doctor prior to taking Thalidomide? 

Prior to taking thalidomide 100 mg, tell your healthcare professional about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have a history of seizures
• drink alcohol
• plan to have surgery
• are breastfeeding

This drug must not be used by females who are breastfeeding. 

If you take more Thalidomide than you should: If you take more drugs than you should, talk to your healthcare provider or go to a hospital straight away. If possible, carry the medicine pack with you.

If you forget to take Thalidomide: If you forget to take this medicine at your regular time and

• less than 12 hours have passed: take your missed dose immediately.
• more than 12 hours have passed: do not consume your capsules. Take your next dose at about the time very next day.

How should I store Thalidomide: Store this drug at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Protect from light. 

What is the Cost of Thalidomide: In India, the thalidomide cost is usually reasonable. At a few selected WHO-GDP & ISO certified pharmaceutical wholesaler companies, this drug is available at a best price. Prices may vary from innovator (branded) to generic (non branded) drugs. 

FAQ’s

When Thalidomide was approved for medical use? 

In the year of 1998, in the United States, Thalidomide was first approved for medical use.

What is the brand name of Thalidomide? 

Thalidomide basically comes under the brand names Contergan, Thalomid and certain others. 

What kind of drug Thalidomide is? 

Thalidomide specifically is an immunomodulatory drug and acts by multiple mechanisms including stimulating T-cells and reducing the TNF-α production.

How Thalidomide should be administered? 

Thalidomide should be administered orally. 

What are the commonly reported side effects due to Thalidomide? 

The commonly reported side effects include rash, sleepiness, and dizziness.

What are the severe side effects due to Thalidomide? 

The severe side effects include blood clots, tumor lysis syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy.

Is Thalidomide safe to use during pregnancy?

This medication is unsafe in order to be used during pregnancy. Seek your healthcare team’s instructions as studies on pregnant women as well as animals have demonstrated significant hazardous effects to the developing fetus.

Is Thalidomide Capsule safe in order to be used while breastfeeding?

The use of thalidomide is unsafe during breastfeeding. Limited human findings shows that the medication may pass into breast milk and may be responsible for harm to the baby.

Is consumption of alcohol safe while using a Thalidomide Capsule?

The capsules of thalidomide may be responsible for causing excessive drowsiness with alcohol.

Is it safe to drive while using a Thalidomide Capsule?

Use of thalidomide may be responsible for causing side effects which may affect your ability in order to drive. You may have side effects, such as tiredness, dizziness, sleepiness or blurred vision with this medication and this may be responsible for affecting your ability to drive. 

Is Thalidomide Capsules safe in kidney disease?

It is perhaps safe to administer in patients with kidney disease. Limited evidence exists suggesting that the thalidomide dose adjustment may not be required in these patients. Please discuss with your healthcare team. 

Is Thalidomide Capsules safe in liver disease?

This medication may be safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited evidence exists suggesting that the thalidomide dose adjustment may not be required in these patients. Please discuss with your healthcare team.

NOTE: The piece of information mentioned about “All you need to know about Thalidomide” in this article is just for the informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis of an experienced/qualified healthcare practitioner.