Drug
Thalidomide
Pronounced
"tha-LID-oh-mide"
Uses
This medication is used to treat or prevent certain skin conditions related to Hansen's disease, once known as leprosy (erythema nodosum leprosum). Thalidomide is also used to treat a certain type of cancer (multiple myeloma). It works in Hansen's disease by reducing swelling and redness (inflammation). It also reduces the formation of blood vessels that feed tumors.
Warning
Women who are pregnant must not use thalidomide. Women must avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication. Even a single dose of thalidomide has caused severe (often fatal) birth defects when used during pregnancy. You must have 2 negative pregnancy tests before you start treatment with thalidomide (within 10 to 14 days before and 24 hours before starting), repeating the test at least monthly. Do not start or continue thalidomide treatment unless you have a negative pregnancy test result.
Female patients must use 2 effective forms of birth control (or completely avoid sexual intercourse) for 1 month before starting thalidomide, during use, and for 1 month after stopping this drug. Talk to your doctor about reliable birth control choices. If your period is late, or if you have sexual intercourse at any time without using 2 effective forms of birth control, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor right away. (See also Precautions section.)
Because thalidomide also passes into semen, men who use this drug and have sex with women must use a latex condom during all sexual contact, even if they have had a vasectomy. Keep using condoms and other birth control as directed until 1 month after thalidomide treatment has been stopped.
To receive thalidomide in the United States, you must understand, agree to, and carefully follow the requirements of the REMS Program for this medication. If you live in Canada or any other country, consult your doctor and pharmacist for your country's regulations.
When used to treat a certain type of cancer (multiple myeloma), thalidomide can increase the risk of serious problems from blood clots (such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs or legs). Get medical help right away if you develop shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, or sudden/severe headaches. While you are taking thalidomide, your doctor may also direct you to take aspirin or other "blood thinners" (such as warfarin) to lessen the risk of these types of blood clots. Talk to your doctor for more information, and tell him/her if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, kidney problems, or if you smoke. (See also Side Effects section.)
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used for lupus, certain conditions caused by cancer, and HIV infection.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using thalidomide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime at least 1 hour after the evening meal. Swallow this medication whole with water.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.
Keep the capsules in their blister pack until ready to use. Do not open or break the capsules, or handle them any more than needed. If any of the powder from the capsule gets on your skin, wash the area with soap and water.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from broken capsules. All people should wash their hands thoroughly after handling this drug.
This medication passes into body fluids (such as urine). Avoid contact with body fluids from people taking this drug. Wear protective clothing (such as gloves) when handling these body fluids (such as during cleanup). If contact occurs, wash skin with soap and water.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. If you are taking this medication for Hansen's disease, your skin condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse after 2 weeks.