Thalidomide: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Thalidomide?

What is Thalidomide for?

Thalidomide is a drug commonly used to treat or prevent certain skin conditions associated with Hanses disease, formerly known as leprosy (erythema nodosum leprosum). Thalidomide is also used to treat certain types of cancer (multiple myeloma). Thalidomide belongs to a category of drugs known as immunomodulators. This drug works in Hansen's disease by reducing swelling and redness (inflammation). Also reduces the formation of blood vessels that trigger tumors.

OTHER PURPOSE: This section contains the use of drugs that are not on the list approved by the FDA but may be recommended by a health professional. Use this medication for the conditions listed in this section if recommended by your Health care professional.

This drug can be used to treat certain conditions caused by cancer or HIV infection.

How to use Thalidomide?

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Read the medication guide and, if available, the patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking thalidomide and each time you re-add it. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication, usually once a day before bedtime or at least 1 hour after dinner or as directed by your doctor. Swallow this whole drug with water.

This dose is given based on the medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than recommended. Your condition will not improve any sooner, and the risk of serious side effects may increase.

Store the capsules in the package until they are ready to use. Do not open or split the capsule, or touch more than necessary. If the powder from the capsules gets on your skin, wash the affected area with soap and water.

Because this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and can harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not touch or inhale the powder from the split capsule. Anyone who has touched this medicine should wash their hands thoroughly.

This drug is transmitted through body fluids (urine). Avoid coming into contact with body fluids from people using this medicine. Therefore, wear protective clothing (gloves) when touching bodily fluids (for example, during cleaning). If contact occurs, wash skin with soap and water.

Use this remedy regularly to get the full benefits. To help you remember, drink it at the same time each day. If you are taking this medicine for Hansen's disease, your skin condition may get worse when you use this medicine suddenly. Your dose will need to be decreased slowly.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or gets worse after 2 weeks.

How is Thalidomide stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Thalidomide dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Thalidomide for adults?

Standard adult dosage for Leprosy - Erythema Nodosum Leprosum:

Cutaneous erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL):

Initial dose: 100 to 300 mg taken once a day with water, preferably at bedtime and at least 1 hour after dinner; patients weighing less than 50 kg the dose is given from the lowest.

Severe ENL cutaneous reactions or patients who previously required higher doses to control the reaction:

Initial dose: up to 400 mg / day orally once a day at bedtime or divided by water, at least 1 hour after meals.

Standard adult dosage for Multiple Myeloma:

200 mg taken once a day with water, preferably before bedtime and at least 1 hour after dinner.

What is the dosage of Thalidomide for children?

12 years and over:

Cutaneous erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL):

Initial dose: 100 to 300 mg taken once a day with water, preferably at bedtime and at least 1 hour after dinner; patients weighing less than 50 kg the dose is given from the lowest.

Severe ENL cutaneous reactions or patients who previously required higher doses to control the reaction:

Initial dose: up to 400 mg / day orally once a day at bedtime or divided by water, at least 1 hour after meals.

In what dosage is Thalidomide available?

Thalidomide is available in the following dosages.

50 mg capsules; 100 mg; 150 mg; 200 mg

Thalidomide side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Thalidomide?

Stop using this medication and seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor if you have serious side effects:

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood;
• Pain or swelling in the arms, thighs, or calves;
• Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, easy to hurt or bleed;
• Slow heart rate, shortness of breath, feeling faint;
• Skin rash, redness, blistering, peeling;
• Redness, increased skin rash (especially if you have fever, fast heartbeat, and dizziness or fainting);
• Numbness, burning, pain, or tingling feeling or
• Convulsions.

Less serious side effects include:

• Feeling sleepy
• Anxious, confused, or trembling;
• Bone pain, muscle weakness;
• Sleep problems (insomnia); or
• Nausea, constipation, loss of appetite.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Thalidomide Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Thalidomide?

In deciding to use this drug, the risks of using the drug must be weighed carefully with the benefits that will be obtained later. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this remedy, here's what you need to consider:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have had any different reactions or are allergic to this or any other medicine. And tell your doctor if you have certain allergies, such as to food, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For over-the-counter products, read the labels or ingredients on the packaging carefully.

Children

Further studies have not been carried out between the relationship of age to the effect of thalidomide in children under 12 years. Safety and success have not been proven.

Elderly

Research conducted to date has not shown specific problems in geriatrics regarding the limited use of thalidomide in the elderly.

Is Thalidomide safe for pregnant and lactating women?

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category X (contraindicated) according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Thalidomide use has been reported to be associated with a risk of congenital birth defects.

Thalidomide Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Thalidomide?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Although several drugs should not be used simultaneously, in other cases two different drugs may be used simultaneously even if interactions are possible. In this case, your doctor may change the dose, or other precautions may be needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Using this medication with any of the following drugs is usually not recommended, but may be needed in some cases. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or reduce the frequency with which one or both drugs are used.

• Dexamethasone
• Docetaxel

Can food or alcohol interact with Thalidomide?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Thalidomide?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, in particular:

• Blood clots (for example, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) or
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate) or
• Have a history of heart attack
• HIV infection
• Neutropenia (low white blood cells) or
• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve problems) or
• Have a history of seizures
• Have a history of stroke — Use with caution. Can make conditions worse.

Thalidomide overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.