This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

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.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Pomalidomide is an antiangiogenic agent that is a derivative of thalidomide. Pomalidomide works by inhibiting the formation of blood vessels that supplies nutrition to the cancer cells and facilitates the immune system attack against cancer cells. It arrests the cell cycle and induces programmed cell death of cancer cells.

Uses of undefined

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

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

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.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

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.

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.

Word Of Advice

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

Frequently Asked Question

References

  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.

Disclaimer

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.