Warning: following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the judgment about youre physician. it must not be construed to indicate that use of drug is safe or effective for you. Consult youre healthcare professional before using this med.

Thalidomide - oral

(thal-id-oh-mide)

common brand names: Thalomid

Warning: Because even a single dose of thalidomide may cause severe birth defects or fetal death, this med must never be used during pregnancy nor by women who could become pregnant while using this drug. Pregnancy must be ruled out 24 hours before starting therapy with thalidomide. women must be monitored for pregnancy while using this medication. Patients, healthcare professionals, & healthcare professionals must agree to and comply with requirements of the System for Thalidomide Education & Prescribing Safety (S.T.E.P.S.) program developed by the Food & medication Administration in order to receive this medication. Patients (male or female) who use it drug must use reliable forms of birth control. for males, it means using a latex condom (see Precautions Section). If pregnancy does occur during treatment, contact youre doctor immediately.

Thalomid Usage: this pill is used to treat or prevent certain skin conditions related to Hansen's disease (leprosy).

Thalomid can be used also for: this med may also be used for certain conditions in cancer or HIV disease, & other diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis).

How to use Thalomid: this med must only be used within the S.T.E.P.S. Program (System for Thalidomide Education & Prescribing Safety) guidelines, in order to avoid any possible fetal exposure to drug. Consult youre healthcare professional or physician. Before starting therapy, women about childbearing age should have a pregnancy test within 24 hours before taking medication. the drug is generally taken by mouth at least one hour after meal with water as directed. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. do not increase your dose, use this more frequently or use it for a longer period about time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Consult your healthcare professional or physician if you have any questions before using this drug.

Thalomid side effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, unusual weakness, If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: tingling or numbness of the hands and feet. Unlikely but report promptly: persistent sore throat, fever, slow or rapid heartbeat, swelling of the hands/feet. Very unlikely but report promptly: unusual bruising, mental or mood changes. in the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to it drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice another effects not listed above, contact your doctor or doctor.

Thalomid Precautions: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies. Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify drug side effects. Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving) as this drug may cause drowsiness. To avoid dizziness & lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Because thalidomide can cause severe birth defects or fetal death, few precautions noted below. - don't donate blood while using thalidomide. - Males - Use latex condom when having sexual intercourse with a woman during childbearing years, even if you have had vasectomy. You shouldnot donate sperm while using thalidomide. - Effective birth control must be used for in least 1 month before beginning thalidomide treatment, during thalidomide treatment, & for 1 month after stopping thalidomide. Reliable birth control is necessary even if you have been unable to get pregnant at past. two effective forms of birth control must be used at the same time (unless continuous avoidance about sexual intercourse is your method). Consult you're doctor. - Immediately report to some your doctor if you're period is late, or if you have abnormal vaginal (menstrual) bleeding. Thalidomide must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Even single dose of thalidomide taken by pregnant wonen during her pregnancy can cause severe birth defects. If pregnancy does occur during treatment, this drug must be discontinued immediately. Its not known if it drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of potential for serious reactions in nursing infants, breast-feeding is not recommended while using thalidomide.

Thalomid medication interactions: Tell your healthcare professional about all nonprescription & prescription drug you may use, especially of meds causing drowsiness such as: barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), psychiatric medicine (e.g., chlorpromazine), reserpine, narcotic pain relievers, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). many nonprescription medications contain antihistamines that cause drowsiness. check every labels carefully. Consult your pharmacist. Report use of drugs which can cause nerve sensation problems (e.g., didanosine & vincristine). Also report tablets which interfere with birth control pills such as 'protease inhibitors' (e.g., indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir), griseofulvin, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin & rifabutin), phenytoin, carbamazepine. gir who should use one or more about these drugs affecting birth control pills need to use two other effective forms of birth control, or abstain from sexual intercourse. do not start or stop any medicine with-out healthcare professional or physician approval.

Thalomid Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact youre local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Thalomid special notes: do not share it medicine with others. Laboratory tests will be performed regularly to monitor for pregnancy (before treatment, weekly during first month about use, then monthly thereafter) & also since tablet side effects.

If you missed Thalomid dose: If you miss dose, use it as soon as you remember. If It's near the time about the next dose, skip the missed dose & resume youre usual dosing schedule. do not 'double-up' the dose to catch up.

Thalomid Storage: Store in room temperature in 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from sunlight and moisture. Brief storage between 59 & 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. do not store in bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children & pets.

Active Ingredients : Thalidomide