Thalidomide Side Effects
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Thalidomide Safety Reports reported to FDA
Total Thalidomide reports: 140.Thalidomide FDA safety alerts: No.
Reported deaths: 39 Reported hospitalizations: 77.
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Reported Thalidomide Side Effects: pneumonia, disease progression, pulmonary embolism, osteonecrosis, asthenia, condition aggravated, hypotension, deep vein thrombosis, dizziness, fall, bradycardia.
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Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5168263-5Physician from GREECE reported THALIDOMIDE problem on Nov 22, 2006. Male patient, 56 years of age, was diagnosed with lichen planus and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: burning sensation, hepatic neoplasm malignant, hypoaesthesia, muscle spasms, muscular weakness. THALIDOMIDE dosage: X 2 WEEKS AND THEN 25 MG/DAY X 1 YR, ORAL; SEE IMAGE. During the same period patient was treated with TACROLIMUS. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5168266-0
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on Nov 21, 2006. Male patient, 53 years of age, was diagnosed with lymphoma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: abdominal pain upper, circulatory collapse, fall, nausea. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 200 MG, 4 IN 1 D, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with PANTOPRAZOLE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient died on 11/01/2006.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5170868-2
Pharmacist from UNITED STATES reported THALIDOMIDE problem on Dec 05, 2006. Female patient, 57 years of age, weighting 190.0 lb, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: syncope. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 200 MG DAILY AT BEDTIME PO. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5172436-5
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on Nov 21, 2006. Male patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: aggression, amnesia, aphasia, dementia, emotional disorder, encephalopathy, gliosis, mental impairment, neurotoxicity. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 200 MG, 1 IN 1 D. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5173172-1
Pharmacist from UNITED STATES reported THALIDOMIDE problem on Dec 07, 2006. Male patient, weighting 185.2 lb, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: atrial fibrillation, cardio-respiratory arrest, electromechanical dissociation, pulmonary embolism, respiratory failure, sinus tachycardia. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 200 MG Q HS ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with DEXAMETHASONE, WARFARIN, OXYCODONE, OXYCONTIN. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5176558-4
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on Nov 21, 2006. Male patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: aggression, amnesia, aphasia, emotional disorder, encephalopathy, neurotoxicity, protein total increased. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 200 MG, 1 IN 1 D. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5182690-1
Physician from UNITED KINGDOM reported THALIDOMIDE problem on Dec 01, 2006. Female patient, 69 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: hyperglycaemia, hyperosmolar state, loss of consciousness, neutropenia, tachyarrhythmia, white blood cell count decreased. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 50 MG, 1 IN 1 D, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with DEXAMETHASONE, ZOLEDRONIC ACID, CONOFEN, NORVASC, MOSCONTIN, MAGNESIUM, LIVALO, CALCIUM CARBONATE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient died.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5197642-5
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on Dec 18, 2006. Male patient, 57 years of age, was diagnosed with blood alkaline phosphatase and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: arrhythmia, arteriosclerosis, bradycardia, cardiac failure, cor pulmonale, coronary artery stenosis, disease progression, emphysema, hypoventilation. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 100-400 MG, DAILY, ORAL (SEE IMAGE). During the same period patient was treated with RILUTEK. Patient died on 06/14/2006.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5380530-9
Health Professional from POLAND reported THALIDOMIDE problem on June 25, 2007. Female patient, 64 years of age, weighting 141.1 lb, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: ulcerative keratitis. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 200 MG, DAILY, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with DEXAMETHASONE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5387264-5
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on July 03, 2007. Female patient, 83 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: breast cancer, malignant neoplasm progression, multiple myeloma, neuropathy, thrombosis. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 100 MG, 2 IN 1 D, ORAL. Patient died on 05/19/2007.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5391676-3
Physician from UNITED KINGDOM reported THALIDOMIDE problem on July 06, 2007. Female patient, 64 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: adams-stokes syndrome, asthenia, heart rate increased, syncope. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 200 MG, 4 IN 1 D, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with BISOCARD, TERTENSIF, AMLOZEK, ACARD, HYDROXYZINE, MIANSERIN. Patient was hospitalized and became disabled. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5391678-7
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from GERMANY on July 11, 2007. Female patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: bone marrow failure, infection, sepsis. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 400 MG, DAILY, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with DEXAMETHASONE, CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE, ETOPOSIDE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient died.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5392923-4
Physician from UNITED KINGDOM reported THALIDOMIDE problem on July 10, 2007. Male patient, 74 years of age, was diagnosed with leukaemia plasmacytic and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: condition aggravated, disease progression, polyneuropathy, pulmonary hypertension. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 50 MG, 1 IN 1 D, ORAL; ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with VELCADE, VINCRISTINE, BENDAMUSTIN, DEXAMETHASONE, ADRIAMYCIN PFS. Patient was hospitalized. Patient died on 06/01/2007.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5397244-1
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on July 12, 2007. Male patient, 74 years of age, was diagnosed with leukaemia plasmacytic and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: angiocentric lymphoma, biopsy bone marrow abnormal, blood immunoglobulin a increased, blood lactate dehydrogenase increased, blood viscosity increased, cardiomegaly, chest discomfort, chest x-ray abnormal, condition aggravated. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 50 MG, 1 IN 1 D, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with VELCADE, VINCRISTINE, BENDAMUSTIN, ADRIAMYCIN PFS, PLAVIX, METOPROLOL SUCCINATE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient died on 06/14/2007.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5400320-8
Physician from UNITED KINGDOM reported THALIDOMIDE problem on July 19, 2007. Male patient, 65 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: multi-organ failure. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 150 MG, 3 IN 1 D, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE, DEXAMETHASONE. Patient died on 07/19/2007.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5401816-5
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on July 18, 2007. Female patient, 57 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: cardiopulmonary failure, dyspnoea, oedema peripheral. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 400 MG, DAILY, ORAL. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5402014-1
Physician from UNITED KINGDOM reported THALIDOMIDE problem on July 18, 2007. Male patient, 75 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: atrioventricular block complete, pneumonia. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 50 MG, 1 IN 1 D, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with VELCADE, PREDNISONE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5406689-2
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED STATES on Aug 03, 2007. Female patient, 30 years of age, weighting 153.0 lb, was diagnosed with endometriosis and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: speech disorder, thinking abnormal, tremor, urinary incontinence. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 250 MG QHS PO PT HAD TAPERED UP TO THAT DOSE BEGINNING 4/19/. During the same period patient was treated with BIRTH CONTROL S. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5408219-8
Physician from UNITED KINGDOM reported THALIDOMIDE problem on July 25, 2007. Female patient, 79 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: bronchopneumonia, diverticulitis, hyperkalaemia, hypovolaemia, renal impairment. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 50 MG, 1 IN 1 D, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with ACE INHIBITOR, PANTOPRAZOLE, AMLODIPINE, METOPROLOL TARTRATE, ASPIRIN, TORSEMIDE, LEVOTHYROXINE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5413883-3
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on Aug 01, 2007. Male patient, 67 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: interstitial lung disease, no therapeutic response. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 100 MG, QD, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with DEXAMETHASONE, CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5413884-5
Physician from UNITED KINGDOM reported THALIDOMIDE problem on Aug 01, 2007. Male patient, 75 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: atrioventricular block complete, pneumonia. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 50 MG, 1 IN 1 D, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with VELCADE, PREDNISONE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5413887-0
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on Aug 01, 2007. Male patient, 57 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: disease progression, multiple myeloma, septic shock. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 50 MG, QD, ORAL. Patient died on 07/01/2007.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5415590-X
Physician from UNITED KINGDOM reported THALIDOMIDE problem on Aug 01, 2007. Male patient, 75 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: atrioventricular block complete, pneumonia. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 50 MG, 1 IN 1 D, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with VELCADE, PREDNISONE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5416631-6
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on Aug 03, 2007. Male patient, 84 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: gastrointestinal hypomotility, urinary tract infection. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 100 MG, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with VELCADE, PREDNISONE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5420732-6
Physician from UNITED KINGDOM reported THALIDOMIDE problem on Aug 03, 2007. Male patient, 67 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: alveolitis, inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, interstitial lung disease, lymphocytosis, no therapeutic response, oedema, paranoia, sarcoidosis, unresponsive to stimuli. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 100 MG, DAILY, ORAL, 50 MG, DAILY, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with DEXAMETHASONE, CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE, OMEPRAZOLE, FUROSEMIDE, PREDNISONE, METHYLPREDNISOLONE, BACTRIM. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5422233-8
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Pharmacist from UNITED STATES on Aug 20, 2007. Female patient, 62 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: neutropenia. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 200 MG DAILY PO. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5424546-2
Physician from UNITED KINGDOM reported THALIDOMIDE problem on Aug 13, 2007. Female patient, 80 years of age, was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: intestinal infarction. THALIDOMIDE dosage: unknown. Patient died on 07/23/2007.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5424548-6
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on Aug 13, 2007. Female patient, 68 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: syncope. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 400 MG, 8 IN 1 D, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with BONDRONAT, LEVOTHYROXINE, LISINOPRIL, SIMVABTA, NOVALGIN. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5428865-5
Physician from UNITED KINGDOM reported THALIDOMIDE problem on Aug 16, 2007. Female patient, 57 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: cardiopulmonary failure. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 400 MG, DAILY, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with DIPRIAN. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5451043-0
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on Aug 31, 2007. Female patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: anosmia. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 200 MG, DAILY, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with DEXAMETHASONE, VELCADE. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5466064-1
Physician from UNITED KINGDOM reported THALIDOMIDE problem on Sept 07, 2007. Female patient, 56 years of age, was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: anosmia. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 200 MG, 1 IN 1 D, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with DEXAMETHASONE, VELCADE. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5466714-X
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on Sept 11, 2007. Male patient, 73 years of age, was diagnosed with plasmacytoma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: anuria, azotaemia, cardiac arrest. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 100 MG, 2 IN 1 D, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with OXYCODON, BISOPROLOL, LEVOTHYROXINE, MACROGOL, ALLOPURINOL, TORSEMIDE, SIMVASTATIN, RAMIPRIL. Patient died on 07/01/2007.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5466715-1
Physician from UNITED KINGDOM reported THALIDOMIDE problem on Sept 10, 2007. Male patient, 57 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: blood lactate dehydrogenase increased, malignant neoplasm progression, multiple myeloma, pancytopenia, pneumonia, respiratory failure, septic shock. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 50 MG, QD, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with DEXAMETHASONE, BENDAMUSTIN. Patient died on 07/26/2007.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5467929-7
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on Sept 13, 2007. Female patient, 77 years of age, weighting 121.3 lb, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: dermatitis artefacta. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 50 MG, 1 IN 1 D, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with DEXAMETHASONE, ZOLEDRONIC ACID, ULTRACET, OXYCONTIN, ANTACID. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5472511-1
Physician from BRAZIL reported THALIDOMIDE problem on Sept 18, 2007. Female patient was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: congenital anomaly, congenital hand malformation, pulmonary hypoplasia, unwanted pregnancy, urinary tract disorder. THALIDOMIDE dosage: unknown. Patient died.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5473148-0
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from BRAZIL on Sept 18, 2007. Female patient was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: congenital hand malformation, limb hypoplasia congenital, limb reduction defect. THALIDOMIDE dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5473154-6
Consumer or non-health professional from BRAZIL reported THALIDOMIDE problem on Sept 18, 2007. Female patient was diagnosed with leprosy and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: adactyly, finger hypoplasia, foot deformity, limb hypoplasia congenital, limb reduction defect. THALIDOMIDE dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5473155-8
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from BRAZIL on Sept 18, 2007. Female patient was diagnosed with leprosy and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: heart disease congenital, limb reduction defect. THALIDOMIDE dosage: unknown. Patient died.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5474543-6
Physician from UNITED KINGDOM reported THALIDOMIDE problem on Sept 21, 2007. Female patient, 66 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: acute respiratory failure, haemoglobin decreased, platelet count decreased, pneumonia, septic shock. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 400 MG, 8 IN 1 D, ORAL. Patient was hospitalized and became disabled. Patient recovered.
Thalidomide Side Effects Report #5474545-X
THALIDOMIDE problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED KINGDOM on Sept 21, 2007. Female patient, 67 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was treated with THALIDOMIDE. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: asthenia, back pain, disease progression, paraparesis, somnolence, stupor. THALIDOMIDE dosage: 100 MG, 2 IN 1 D, ORAL. Patient died on 09/20/2007.
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Drug Information: Thalidomide
URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a699032.html
(tha li' doe mide)IMPORTANT WARNING:
| Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking thalidomide, stop taking thalidomide and call your doctor immediately. Thalidomide can kill the fetus or cause severe birth defects.Before starting treatment, women of childbearing age should have a pregnancy test. Your doctor will not give you a prescription for thalidomide until a negative pregnancy test has been obtained. Your doctor will order pregnancy tests often during your treatment; it is important that you keep these appointments. Women of childbearing age who are taking thalidomide should not have sexual intercourse or should use two forms of birth control for at least 1 month before beginning thalidomide therapy, during thalidomide therapy, and for 1 month after stopping thalidomide therapy. If your period is irregular, late, or you miss a period during treatment with thalidomide, call your doctor immediately.If you are a sexually active male, you will need to use barrier contraception, such as condoms, while taking thalidomide. |
Why is this medication prescribed?
Thalidomide is used to treat and prevent skin conditions caused by erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL).
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Thalidomide comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Thalidomide is usually taken once a day at bedtime, but at least 1 hour after the evening meal. Take thalidomide with a glass of water. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take thalidomide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Thalidomide is also used sometimes to treat Kaposi's sarcoma, primary brain malignancies, chronic graft versus host disease, Behcet's disease, aphthous ulcers, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration of the skin. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking thalidomide,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to thalidomide or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medications, including amprenavir (Agenerase), barbiturates, carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol), chlorpromazine (Ormazine, Thorazine), griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grifulvin, Grisactin, others), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), phenytoin (Dilantin), reserpine (Serpalan, Serpasil, others), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase), and vitamins. If you are using oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy while taking thalidomide, you should be aware of medications that may affect the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Ask your pharmacist for more information.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), or neutropenia.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how thalidomide will affect you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and sun lamps and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Thalidomide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
- be aware that you should not give blood or donate sperm during treatment with thalidomide.
- thalidomide may cause dizziness and decreases in blood pressure that could result in falls. After lying down, you should sit upright for a few minutes before standing up.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Thalidomide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- slow heartbeats
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- rash
- numbness, tingling, pain, or a burning sensation in the hands or feet
- fever
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order laboratory tests to monitor your response to thalidomide.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. Tell your doctor if your skin condition gets worse or does not go away.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Brand name(s):
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