Pomalidomide: Chemotherapy Drug

Pomalidomide is an anti-cancer drug indicated for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma after they have been treated with at least two other therapies including bortezomib and lenalidomide. Pomalidomide 4mg is generally recommended for patients with disease progression within 60 days since their last therapy.

Immunomodulatory Agent and Angiogenesis Inhibitor

Pomalidomide is a thalidomide analogue approved by FDA to be used in multiple myeloma treatment. While the mechanism of action is still not known, researchers believe that this drug works as an immune system modulator that attacks the protein within cancer cells and destroys them.

They also regulate the production of cytokines that are responsible for the growth of cancer cells.

Besides that, it also inhibits the development of blood vessels in tumor cells that they use to signal and grow.

Before using this medication

Every medication has some side effects. Consider the following points before starting with this multiple myeloma medication:

• Tell your doctor about your medical history and what other medications you are taking.
•  Also inform your doctor about your pre-existing health conditions.
• This drug can cause severe birth defects. Thus, women should not take this medicine during the course of pregnancy.
• Women of childbearing potential should use contraception 4 weeks before or after you start taking pomalidomide.
• Avoid breastfeeding during the treatment course.
• Male patients must also use contraceptive methods 28 days after your final dose.

Pomalidomide strengths and intermittent dosing schedule

This drug must always be taken as prescribed by your doctor. However, oral administration of pomalidomide 4 mg once daily is the recommended starting dose. This medication is taken in repeated cycles of three weeks in combination with dexamethasone.

This medicine is usually taken in an intermittent schedule in which it is given to the patient for three weeks regularly followed by a week rest. For patients with renal failure, the dose must be reduced by 25% i.e. they should take pomalidomide 3 mg once daily.

Apart from 4 mg and 3 mg, pomalidomide 2 mg, and 1mg is also available in the market.

What are the adverse reactions?

A medicine has both the good and the bad side. We have accumulated some of the common and less common side effects of using pomalidomide for multiple myeloma treatment.

If you are using some other cancer drugs, you may experience side effects that are not mentioned here.

Some of the common reactions to this medicine include:

• Weakness and fatigue
•  Anemia
• Constipation
• Low platelets
• Difficulty in breathing
• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• The less common side effects include:
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Neuropathy

If these side effects do not go after some time of starting the treatment, consult your health care provider immediately. Pomalidomide is a strong multiple myeloma medication that can also cause blood clot risks and liver problems in some patients. If you feel pain in your chest, swelling of your arms or legs, you need medical attention.

Interaction: Certain other medications may be responsible for interacting with pomalidomide. Inform your healthcare team in case you are taking any other medications as you may require extra blood tests or your dose may require in order to be changed. Check with your healthcare practitioner prior to you initiate or stop taking any other medications.

Missed Dose: If you miss a pomalidomide dose, take it promptly in case it is within 12 hours of the forgotten or missed dose. In case it is over 12 hours since your forgotten or missed pomalidomide dose, skip the forgotten or missed dose of pomalidomide and catch your usual dosing times.

How to store pomalidomide: Store the pomalidomide capsules out of the reach of children, at room temperature, away from the moisture, heat, and light.

NOTE: The piece of information mentioned about "Pomalidomide: Chemotherapy Drug" in this article is just for informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis of an experienced/qualified healthcare practitioner.