Health Library

Pomalidomide (By mouth)

Pomalidomide (poe-ma-LID-oh-mide)

Treats multiple myeloma or AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS). Also treats KS in patients who do not have HIV infection.

Brand Name(s):

Pomalyst

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not break, chew, or open the capsules. If you accidentally open the capsule or touch the medicine inside, wash your skin with soap and water right away.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: If it is less than 12 hours since your regular time, take it as soon as you can and take your next dose at the normal time. If it is more than 12 hours since your regular time, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the normal time. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Return any unused capsules to your doctor or pharmacist.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not receive pembrolizumab together with pomalidomide or similar medicines and dexamethasone.
• Some drugs can affect how pomalidomide works. Tell your doctor if you also use carbamazepine, ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine, or ketoconazole.
• Do not smoke while you are using this medicine. This medicine may not work as well if you smoke.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Women: Pregnancy tests are required before and during treatment with this medicine. Begin using 2 forms of birth control together 4 weeks before starting treatment, during treatment, even if the medicine is stopped for a short time, and for at least 4 weeks after your last dose. Talk to your doctor about the most effective forms of birth control for you and your partner.
• Men: You must protect your female partner from getting pregnant. Use a condom every time you have sex, even if you had a vasectomy. You must use a condom during treatment, even if the medicine is stopped for a short time, and for at least 4 weeks after your last dose. Do not donate sperm while you are being treated with this medicine.
• Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
• Do not donate blood during treatment with this medicine and for at least 4 weeks after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (including patients receiving dialysis), liver disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of blood clots.
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Blood clots, including deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke
  • Liver problems
  • Serious skin reactions, including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
  • Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
  • Possible risk of cancer, including acute leukemia
  • Tumor lysis syndrome (electrolyte and metabolic problems that can be life-threatening)
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or confused. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some women who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash, or swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in neck, armpit, or groin
• Chest pain that may spread, unusual sweating, fainting, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Decrease in how much you urinate, uneven heartbeat, seizure
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in your hands or feet
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain
• Constipation, diarrhea
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024