POMALIDOMIDE
Background and Date of Approval
Pomalidomide is an antiangiogenic agent that blocks the formation of blood vessels. It received approval for medical use on 8 February 2013.
Uses
Pomalidomide has been developed to treat Multiple myeloma and Kaposiâs sarcoma. It is effective against cancer cells that are resistant against Lenalidomide.
How is it administered?
Pomalidomide is available in the form of tablet and capsule in the doses 1mg, 2mg and 4mg. You shall take Pomalidomide with or without food by swallowing the tablet or capsule with water once a day. If you are on hemodialysis treatment, take Pomalidomide after hemodialysis on dialysis days.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Pomalidomide are tiredness, weakness, constipation, nausea, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, upper respiratory tract infection, back pain, fever, high blood sugar levels. Serious side effects include abnormal kidney function test, dizziness, confusion, tumor lysis syndrome, secondary cancers, liver problems, low blood cell counts. If you experience any allergic reactions such as swelling of lips, eyes, face, or tongue, hives, breathing trouble, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, abnormal bleeding, or extreme tiredness. During the Pomalidomide treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood cell counts, platelets, blood sugar, electrolytes and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with anaemia, liver problems, kidney disease, heart problem, etc. Get immediate medical attention if you experience red itchy skin, rashes, peeling of skin, yellowing of skin and eyes, severe itching, very fast heartbeat or fever.
Precautions
It is not recommended to get pregnant or breastfeed during treatment with Pomalidomide. Tell your physician before starting this treatment if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you could be pregnant or planning to have a baby.
Word of Advice
Pomalidomide may cause dizziness and confusion. Patients should avoid driving or undertaking activities requiring sustained attention while receiving this treatment.
References
Bristol Myers Squibb, US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Oct 2021] [Accessed on 1st Aug 2022], https://packageinserts.bms.com/pi/pi_pomalyst.pdf Martha Q. Lacy and Arleigh R. McCurdy, Pomalidomide, Blood (2013), 122 (14): 2305â2309, https://ashpublications.org/blood/article-pdf/122/14/2305/1370038/2305.pdf Anton Wellstein, Giuseppe Giaccone, Michael B. Atkins, and Edward A. Sausville, Pathway-Targeted Therapies: Monoclonal Antibodies, Protein Kinase Inhibitors, and Various Small Molecules, Goodman & Gilmanâs Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, 2018, 1203-1236.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use Pomalidomide during pregnancy?
Pomalidomide is mostly unsafe during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will conduct pregnancy test before and during treatment with Pomalidomide to rule out pregnancy and prevent complications.
Is it safe to undergo a surgery during the treatment with Pomalidomide Injection?
Pomalidomide is associated with increased risk of unusual bleeding and bruising. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid undergoing surgical procedures during this treatment.
What are the common side effects of Pomalidomide?
Tiredness, weakness, constipation, nausea, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, upper respiratory tract infection, back pain, fever, high blood sugar levels. Serious side effects include abnormal kidney function test, dizziness, confusion, tumor lysis syndrome, secondary cancers, liver problems, low blood cell counts are the most common side effects of Pomalidomide.
When should you contact your physician?
Reach out to your health care provider and immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of nerve damage such as numbness, tingling, pain, burning of hands and feet and symptoms of tumor lysis syndrome which include abnormal heart rhythm and seizures.
What parameters will be monitored during treatment with Pomalidomide?
During treatment with Pomalidomide, your health care provider will monitor RBC, WBC, platelets, liver, blood glucose and kidney parameters.
How would you know if you are allergic to Pomalidomide?
Hypersensitivity reactions like severe itching, rashes, fever, peeling of skin, redness, rapid heartbeat, breathing trouble, dizziness and swelling of lips, mouth, tongue or throat indicate that you are allergic to Pomalidomide. Seek medical attention from your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms.
What should you avoid during treatment with Pomalidomide?
Donating blood or sperm while on treatment with Pomalidomide is not recommended.