THALIDE 200MG CAP

What is Thalidomide for:

This medication is an immunomodulatory agent, prescribed for multiple myeloma, and erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). It works on the immune system to decrease certain substances that cause skin inflammation.

How does Thalidomide work:

Thalidomide lowers the bodys harmful response to diseases of the immune system. It harms cancer cells causing their death.

How should Thalidomide be used:

It comes as a capsule to take by mouth, with food. The recommended dose is 200mg administered orally once daily with water, preferably at bedtime and at least 1-hour after the evening meal.

Common side effects of Thalidomide :

Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred eyesight, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you. Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing. Feeling tired or weak. Hard stools (constipation). Drinking more liquids, working out, or adding fiber to your diet may help. Talk with your doctor about a stool softener or laxative. Headache. Anemia and low white blood cell count. Low calcium levels. Swelling. Rash. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Not hungry. Blood clots may rarely happen. Nerve problems may happen.

What do I do if I miss a dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What precautions should I take when taking Thalidomide :

If you have an allergy to thalidomide or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you are of childbearing age, but are not using 2 kinds of birth control or if you are planning to get pregnant during your care or within 4 weeks after care has ended. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. If you are breast-feeding.

When do I need to seek medical help

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Trouble breathing. Chest pain or pressure. Swelling, warmth, or pain in the leg or arm. Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. If you think you have a blood clot. Any rash. For women, if you get pregnant while taking this drug. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Thalidomide with other medicines:

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions

Avoid Alcohol

How do I store Thalidomide :

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category

Category X : Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities andor there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.

Therapeutic Classification

Antileprotics, Immunosuppressants