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Thalidomide

Thalidomide, once banned by FDA many years ago, is a very active drug in treatment of Multiple Myeloma.  It is however, a very teratogenic agent (harmful to fetus) and its use is absolutely contraindicated in pregnant women. All patients must be registered on the System for Thalidomide Education and Prescribing Safety program before thalidomide may be prescribed. Women of childbearing potential (< 2 years postmenopausal) must have a negative pregnancy test before starting thalidomide, and they must be using two effective forms of birth control and take a pregnancy test every 4 weeks. Men receiving thalidomide must practice abstinence or use a latex condom.

Side effects:

This drug can be associated with any of the following problems;

• Low White blood counts

• Numbness, pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs; prickling, burning sensation

• Somnolence, feeling sleepy

• Hangover feeling, loss of coordination, nervousness, confusion, fatigue, mood changes, dizziness

• Low blood pressure,

• Fluid retention, weight gain

• Nausea

• Redness in the hands

• Nerve damage

It is imperative that a patient communicate any side effects or problems to his/her medical oncologist.