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THALIDOMIDE contains ‘Thalidomide’, which works by helping the body’s immune system and directly attacks cancer. It stops the development of cancer cells, stops the blood vessels growing in cancer, and stimulates the part of the immune system to attack the cancer cells. Thereby, THALIDOMIDE helps treat multiple myeloma.
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Take THALIDOMIDE as prescribed. You are advised to take THALIDOMIDE for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as constipation, dizziness, sleepiness, tiredness, tremor, dysaesthesia (abnormal sensation), low blood cell count, nausea, vomiting, swelling of hands and feet. Speak with your doctor if you experience any of these side effects persistently.
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Do not take THALIDOMIDE if you are pregnant as it might cause severe birth defects or the death of an unborn baby. Avoid taking THALIDOMIDE if you are breastfeeding. THALIDOMIDE may cause dizziness, sleepiness, and blurred vision, so drive only if you are alert. THALIDOMIDE is not recommended for children below 18years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with THALIDOMIDE as it could lead to increased dizziness. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications before taking THALIDOMIDE to rule out any side effects.
Uses of THALIDOMIDE
Multiple myeloma, Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (ENL)
Medicinal Benefits
THALIDOMIDE belongs to the group of medicines called immunomodulatory agents used to treat multiple myeloma. THALIDOMIDE works by helping the body’s immune system and directly attacks cancer. It stops the development of cancer cells, stops the blood vessels growing in cancer, and stimulates the part of the immune system to attack the cancer cells. Thereby, THALIDOMIDE helps treat multiple myeloma. THALIDOMIDE is also used to treat and prevent skin symptoms of erythema nodosum leprosum and as maintenance therapy for prevention and suppression of erythema nodosum leprosum recurrence.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of THALIDOMIDE
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Tiredness
- Tremor
- Dysaesthesia (abnormal sensation)
- Low blood cell count
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take THALIDOMIDE if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have had blood clots, heart attack, neuropathy, slow heart rate, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, infections, viral infection, HIV, hepatitis B, epilepsy, liver or kidney problems. Do not take THALIDOMIDE if you are pregnant, as it might cause severe birth defects or the death of the unborn baby. Avoid taking THALIDOMIDE if you are breastfeeding as it is not unknown if it passes into breastmilk. THALIDOMIDE may cause dizziness, sleepiness and blurred vision, so drive only if you are alert. THALIDOMIDE is not recommended for children. Avoid consuming alcohol along with THALIDOMIDE as it could lead to increased dizziness and sleepiness. THALIDOMIDE, when taken with dexamethasone, increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Stop taking THALIDOMIDE and consult a doctor immediately if you have think you are pregnant, if you have irregular periods, missed a period, have any change in menstrual bleeding, or if you have had sex without using two forms of birth control.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions:Â THALIDOMIDE may have interaction with digitalis glycosides (digoxin), blood thinner (warfarin), bisphosphonate (pamidronate), anti-depressant (duloxetine), antipsychotics (aripiprazole, prochlorperazine), antibiotic (levofloxacin), pain killer (tramadol), anti-neoplastic agent (bortezomib), antiemetic (ondansetron), barbiturates (pentobarbital, phenobarbital, secobarbital), antihistamines, anxiolytics, hypnotics, opiate derivatives, anticholinesterases, and beta-blockers.
Drug-Food Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking St. John’s wort (herbal supplement used to treat depression).
Drug-Disease Interactions:Â THALIDOMIDE may have interactions with seizures, HIV infection, hypotension, neuropathy, and neutropenia (low levels of neutrophils).
Safety Advice
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ALCOHOL
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking THALIDOMIDE as it might cause increased sleepiness.
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PREGNANCY
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
THALIDOMIDE belongs to pregnancy category X. THALIDOMIDE should not be taken during pregnancy as it causes severe birth defects or death to an unborn baby. Use highly effective contraception if you are a woman of child-bearing age. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
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BREAST FEEDING
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Avoid breastfeeding while taking THALIDOMIDE as it is unknown if THALIDOMIDE passes into breastmilk.
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DRIVING
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
THALIDOMIDE may cause dizziness, sleepiness, and blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery unless you are alert.
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LIVER
Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
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KIDNEY
Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
