Pomalidomide

Pomalidomide is used in the treatment of multiple myeloma and is used in combination with some other medicine (dexamethasone). It works by helping the bone marrow to produce normal blood cells and by killing abnormal cells.

Pomalidomide can be taken with or without food, but better to take it at the same time every day. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

The most common side effects of this medicine include fatigue, fever, bone pain, muscle cramp, and diarrhea. This medicine may reduce the number of blood cells (decrease red blood and white blood cells) in your blood, thereby, increasing the susceptibility to infections. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells along with heart, liver, and blood uric acid levels.

Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy. It makes your skin more sensitive towards sunlight, take caution while stepping out or wear protective clothing.

• Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma
If you have multiple myeloma, your body is destroying bone faster than it is being replaced. This makes bones weak and painful and more likely to break. Pomalidomide may be prescribed along with other medicines. It is an important part of your treatment and increases the survival rate of people with multiple myeloma. This medicine will kill the abnormal cells and prevent their further growth as well as spread to other parts of the body. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get the most benefit. Supplements of calcium and Vitamin D3 are also effective and may be prescribed if you do not have high blood calcium levels.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Poma

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Bone pain
• Muscle cramp
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Breathing problems
• Cough
• Decreased appetite
• Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils)
• Low blood platelets
• Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes)
• Anemia (low number of red blood cells)

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Pomalidomide may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Pomalidomide is in a class of medications called immunomodulatory agents. It works by helping the bone marrow to produce normal blood cells and by killing abnormal cells in the bone marrow.

• Pomalidomide can be taken with or without food, but try to have it at the same time every day.
• Do not skip any dose and complete the course as suggested by your doctor.
• Use an effective method of birth control to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication.
• Do not donate blood to anyone during the treatment or after 7 days of the treatment.
• Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor your blood cell count and liver function.
• It makes you feel dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.

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