Pomalyst (Pomalidomide)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Pomalyst Used For?
Pomalyst contains pomalidomide, an immunomodulating agent used to treat multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer.
Primary Uses
Pomalyst is used in combination with dexamethasone (a steroid medicine) to treat adult patients with multiple myeloma whose disease has progressed after two prior therapies. It is also used with both dexamethasone and bortezomib for patients whose disease has progressed after one therapy.
How It Works
Pomalyst belongs to a group of medicines called immunomodulating agents that help modify the immune system to fight cancer cells.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and will only be prescribed by a doctor experienced in treating blood cancers.
How to Take Pomalyst
Your doctor will determine your specific dose and treatment duration based on your condition and response to treatment.
Dosage Instructions
Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water once daily at about the same time each day. Can be taken with or without food. Do not open, break, or chew the capsules. If you are on dialysis, take your medicine after dialysis on dialysis days.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is less than 12 hours before your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. If powder contacts skin, wash immediately with soap and water.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Lower abdomen or pelvic pain
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Itchiness or rash
- Dizziness or spinning sensation
- Shaking or tremors
- Feeling faint or confused
- Bone pain or muscle spasms
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath (atrial fibrillation)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Severe tiredness, headaches, pale appearance (low red blood cells)
- Chest pain and dry cough (pneumonia)
- Wheezing, chronic cough (lung inflammation)
- Numbness, tingling, pain in hands and feet (nerve damage)
- Vision problems, weakness, memory loss (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy)
- Allergic reactions with swelling, rash, difficulty breathing
- Severe skin reactions with blisters and peeling
- Blood clots in lungs or legs
- Heart failure symptoms
- Signs of serious infection or sepsis
- Kidney problems with little or no urine
- Liver problems with yellowing of skin or eyes
Important Warnings
Pomalyst has serious warnings including severe birth defects and requires enrollment in a special safety program.
Who Should Not Take Pomalyst
Do not use if you are allergic to pomalidomide or any ingredients, if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, or if you are able to become pregnant unless willing to follow required pregnancy prevention measures through the i-access program.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: blood clots, frequent bleeding or bruising, frequent infections, peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, weakness in hands and feet), abnormal kidney function, allergic reactions to thalidomide or lenalidomide, or hepatitis B virus infection.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
CRITICAL WARNING: Pomalyst is related to thalidomide and can cause severe birth defects or death to unborn babies. Women must use effective contraception for 4 weeks before, during, and 4 weeks after treatment. Men must use barrier contraception during treatment and for 1 week after stopping. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine.
Birth Defect Warning: This medicine can cause severe life-threatening birth defects. Strict pregnancy prevention measures are required through the i-access program.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Pomalyst and affect how it works.
Important: Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, including over-the-counter medications.
- Medications used to treat depression
- Medications used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Alcohol & Driving
Pomalyst may cause dizziness or confusion, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as it may interfere with how this medicine works.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Pomalyst affects you. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything dangerous if you experience dizziness or confusion.
Storage
Keep capsules in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 25°C. Store in original packaging until use. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Pomalyst, seek urgent medical attention immediately. In Australia, call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26. In New Zealand, call the National Poisons Centre at 0800 POISON (0800 764 766). Contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor will monitor your progress with regular blood tests and may adjust your dose based on how you respond to treatment and your general condition.
Yes, Pomalyst can be taken with or without food. Take it at about the same time each day with a full glass of water.
No, this medicine is not addictive according to the prescribing information.
If it’s less than 12 hours before your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as it may interfere with how this medicine works. Discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider.
The i-access program is a mandatory pregnancy prevention program that ensures Pomalyst is used safely. All patients must be enrolled and comply with all requirements, including pregnancy testing and contraception measures.
No, do not donate blood during treatment, treatment interruption, or for at least 1 week after stopping treatment. In Australia, patients with myeloma are permanently excluded from donating blood.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.