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In this Article

• What is thalidomide (Thalomid)?
• What are the possible side effects of thalidomide (Thalomid)?
• What is the most important information I should know about thalidomide (Thalomid)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking thalidomide (Thalomid)?
• How should I take thalidomide (Thalomid)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Thalomid)?
• What happens if I overdose (Thalomid)?
• What should I avoid while taking thalidomide (Thalomid)?
• What other drugs will affect thalidomide (Thalomid)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Thalomid)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Thalomid)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of thalidomide is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking thalidomide (Thalomid)?

Thalidomide can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of thalidomide.

What other drugs will affect thalidomide (Thalomid)?

Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by thalidomide. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines.

If you use hormonal birth control (pills, implants, injections) to prevent pregnancy: There are certain drugs that can make hormonal birth control less effective in your body. Below is a list of some of these drugs. This list may not include all drugs with the potential to affect hormonal birth control.

• HIV medicines such as tipranavir (Aptivus), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), ritonavir (Norvir), atazanavir (Reyataz), or nelfinavir (Viracept);
• griseofulvin (Gris-PEG, Grifulvin V, Grisactin, or Fulvicin);
• rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin);
• rifabutin (Mycobutin);
• phenytoin (Dilantin); or
• carbamazepine (Tegretol).

If you rely on hormonal contraception as one of the two forms of birth control during your treatment with thalidomide, tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. You may also need to replace your hormonal birth control method with another effective form of contraception. Not having sexual intercourse (abstinence) is the most effective method of preventing pregnancy.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect thalidomide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about thalidomide written for health professionals that you may read.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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