Pomalidomide is an antiangiogenic agent (a drug that blocks the formation of blood vessels) which was approved for its medical use on 8th February 2013.

Pomalidomide has been developed to treat Multiple myeloma and Kaposi’s sarcoma. It is effective against cancer cells that are resistant against Lenalidomide.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pomalidomide can cause dizziness and confusion. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid driving or doing activities that require your focus during this treatment.

1. Bristol Myers Squibb, US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Oct 2021] [Accessed on 1st Aug 2022], https://packageinserts.bms.com/pi/pi_pomalyst.pdf
2. Martha Q. Lacy and Arleigh R. McCurdy, Pomalidomide, Blood (2013), 122 (14): 2305–2309, https://ashpublications.org/blood/article-pdf/122/14/2305/1370038/2305.pdf
3. Anton Wellstein, Giuseppe Giaccone, Michael B. Atkins, and Edward A. Sausville, Pathway-Targeted Therapies: Monoclonal Antibodies, Protein Kinase Inhibitors, and Various Small Molecules, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, 2018, 1203-1236.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.