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Thalidomide ( thah-LID-oh-myde ) (Thalomid®, Contergan®) What is this medication used for? Thalidomide is used to treat for graft versus host disease (gvhd), brain tumors, myelodysplastic syndrome, and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
center or go to the emergency room immediately. • This medication should be stored at room temperature and protected from light and moisture. • Gloves should be worn when handling this medication. • If a dose is missed and it is more than 12 hours before the next dose is due, take the missed dose of medicine. If it is less than 12 hours before the next dose is due, skip the missed dose and take the regular dose at the next scheduled time. • Avoid driving and doing other potentially dangerous tasks or activities until the effects of the medication are known. • Avoid alcohol or other medications and natural products that slow the ability to think or react quickly. • Sunburn occurs more easily while taking this medication. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing and eyewear. • This medication can cause blood clots in the veins or lungs. Call a healthcare provider immediately if chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain or swelling of the legs or arms develops. • This medication may cause dizziness and a decrease in blood pressure that could result in falls. Take care when standing up. After lying down, sit upright for a few minutes before standing up. • Do not become pregnant, father a child, or breastfeed while taking this medicine. It is important to use 2 forms of birth control at least 1 month before treatment begins, while taking this medicine, and at least 1 month after treatment is completed. Many female patients will be tested for pregnancy before taking this medication and at times during treatment. • This medication may cause severe, permanent nerve damage. Call a health provider immediately if numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the feet or hands develops.
What does it look like? • Capsule How is it given? • By mouth (oral or po) What are the common side effects? • Drowsiness • Dizziness • Constipation or diarrhea (hard stools or loose stools) • Nausea • Stomach (abdominal) pain • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash • Low calcium levels – muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingling feeling (around your mouth or in your fingers or toes) What are the less common side effects? • Dry mouth (xerostomia) • Dry skin • Headache • Increased appetite • Mood changes • Swelling in the legs (edema) • Low blood pressure, particularly after standing up quickly (Postural hypotension) • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) What are the serious side effects? • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy), a type of Nerve damage which can become severe and permanent • Severe damage to unborn child (birth defects) Special instructions: • This medicine should be taken with a glass of water before going to sleep for the night and at least 1 hour after an evening meal. • The capsule must be swallowed whole, not chewed, broken, or crushed. • If an overdose is suspected, call the local poison control
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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