Pomalyst for multiple myeloma: How effective, side effects, and more

Pomalyst belongs to a drug class called thalidomide analogs. The medication isn’t available in a generic version.

Read on for more information about Pomalyst.

Pomalyst has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Before taking Pomalyst” section.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that begins in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. It specifically affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that produces proteins to help the body fight infection.

With multiple myeloma, plasma cells multiply too quickly and crowd out healthy blood cells. This can weaken your immune system and make it more difficult for your body to fight infection. Over time, a buildup of cancer cells may also cause other health problems, such as kidney damage.

The following details explain how Pomalyst works to treat multiple myeloma.

In clinical trials, Pomalyst was shown to be effective in treating multiple myeloma. Many people who took the drug saw their cancer respond to treatment. People who took Pomalyst also lived longer without their cancer getting worse compared with those who didn’t take it.

To learn more about how the drug performed in clinical trials, refer to its prescribing information. You can also talk with your doctor.

The typical dosage of Pomalyst for multiple myeloma is provided below. However, your doctor will determine the dosage that’s suitable for your needs.

For multiple myeloma, the typical starting dosage of Pomalyst is 4 milligrams (mg) once per day. You’ll take the drug daily for 3 weeks in a row, followed by 1 week off. Your doctor will tell you when to start the next cycle and how long to take Pomalyst.

Note: In addition to treating multiple myeloma, Pomalyst has other uses. Keep in mind that the drug’s dosage may differ when treating other conditions. To learn more, talk with your doctor or read the drug’s prescribing information.

Pomalyst comes as an oral capsule. You can take each dose with or without food.

You’ll take Pomalyst once per day, around the same time each day.

The use of Pomalyst for multiple myeloma may cause side effects that are mild or serious.

Pomalyst is also approved to treat Kaposi sarcoma. It’s important to note that side effects from Pomalyst may differ depending on the condition it’s used to treat.

The following lists include some of the main side effects reported with Pomalyst. For information about other potential side effects of the drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or refer to the drug’s prescribing information.

Note: After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Pomalyst and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

These side effects of Pomalyst may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. But if they last longer than this, bother you, or become severe, it’s important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor right away if you develop serious side effects while taking Pomalyst. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

For some people, Pomalyst can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s clinical trials.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care as they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Pomalyst, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.

Before you take Pomalyst, there’s some important information to keep in mind. The drug may not be a safe option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Some of these are mentioned here.

This drug has boxed warnings. These are the most serious warnings from the FDA.

Risk of fetal harm: If taken during pregnancy, Pomalyst may cause pregnancy loss or congenital anomalies (commonly known as birth defects). Because of this risk, doctors do not prescribe the drug for people who are pregnant.

Pomalyst is only available through the PS-pomalidomide risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) program, which is a safety program required by the FDA. To prescribe the drug, your doctor must confirm that you’re not pregnant and that you’re enrolled in the program.

If you or a sexual partner becomes pregnant while taking Pomalyst, contact your doctor right away. You may also be encouraged to enroll in the drug’s pregnancy registry to help collect information about the drug’s effects during pregnancy.

To enroll in the pregnancy registry, talk with your doctor. You can also call the FDA at 800-332-1088 or the REMS program at 888-432-5436.

Risk of blood clots: Taking Pomalyst may increase the risk of blood clots in an artery, lung, or deep vein. Symptoms of a blood clot can depend on where it occurs. Examples include shortness of breath and pain, swelling, or changes in skin color near the affected area.

Having blood clots can also increase your risk of a heart attack and stroke. Symptoms of a heart attack include pain in your arm, back, jaw, neck, or chest. Symptoms of stroke include slurred speech and sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your face or body.

Because of this risk, doctors may prescribe a blood thinner, such as warfarin (Jantoven), with Pomalyst.

If you have symptoms of a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke during Pomalyst treatment, call 911 or get emergency medical care right away. Your doctor may also switch you to a different treatment if a blood clot occurs.

To learn more about these warnings, talk with your doctor.

In addition to boxed warnings, Pomalyst has other warnings.

If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before taking Pomalyst if you:

Keep reading for answers to some frequently asked questions about Pomalyst for multiple myeloma.

Pomalyst and Revlimid belong to the same group of drugs and work in similar ways to treat multiple myeloma. Both are effective treatment options, but they may be used at different points.

Revlimid is often prescribed earlier, sometimes as the first treatment option for multiple myeloma. Pomalyst is usually considered after other treatments, including Revlimid, have stopped working.

Which drug is better than the other depends on your situation, including what treatments you’ve already tried, how your cancer has responded, and your overall health.

Your doctor can explain whether Pomalyst, Revlimid, or another treatment may be most appropriate for you.

Whether Pomalyst feels like a “miracle drug” can vary from person to person. Pomalyst is an effective treatment option for multiple myeloma, particularly when other treatments are no longer working.

Clinical trials have shown that Pomalyst may help slow cancer growth and extend survival for some people. As with all multiple myeloma treatments, it also has potential risks and side effects.

Your doctor can help decide whether Pomalyst is a suitable treatment option for your condition.

The cost of Pomalyst is based on several factors. These include your prescribed treatment regimen, your insurance plan, the pharmacy you use, and your location.

It’s important to note that Pomalyst is available only at a specialty pharmacy. This type of pharmacy is authorized to carry specialty medications. These are drugs that may be expensive or may require help from healthcare professionals to be used safely and effectively.

If you’re prescribed Pomalyst and you’re interested in financial support or need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A program called BMS Access Support is available for Pomalyst. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 800-861-0048 or visit the program website.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.