Thalidomide Benefits & Uses

Thalidomide is used to treat the following -

Other Benefits

Multiple Myeloma

Thalidomide Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: Multiple Myeloma Before or After Meal: After Meal Single Maximum Dose: 200 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: Given in combination with dexamethasone 40 mg orally on days 1 to 4, 9 to 12, and 17 to 20 days
Geriatric	Disease: Multiple Myeloma Before or After Meal: After Meal Single Maximum Dose: 200 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: Given in combination with dexamethasone 40 mg orally on days 1 to 4, 9 to 12, and 17 to 20 days
13 - 18 years (Adolescent)	Disease: Leprosy Before or After Meal: After Meal Single Maximum Dose: 100 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: 2 weeks Special Instructions: Dose may increase up to 300 mg, once daily in sever condition, after 2 weeks dose decrease 50 mg once daily

Thalidomide Side Effects

Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Thalidomide is used -

Severe

Nausea or vomiting
Edema
Decreased Calcium Level
Constipation (Read More - Home remedies for constipation)
Peripheral Neuropathy

Moderate

Confusion

Mild

Headache
Rash
Dizziness
Fever (Read More - Home remedies for fever)
Anxiety (Read More - Home Remedies for Anxiety)
Dry Skin
Weight Loss
Tremor

Thalidomide Related Warnings

Is the use of Thalidomide safe for pregnant women?

Thalidomide should not be taken during pregnancy, or should only be taken on the advice of a doctor as it may have severe side effects.

Severe
Is the use of Thalidomide safe during breastfeeding?

There is no research available on the side effects of Thalidomide in breastfeeding women. Therefore, its impact is unknown.

Unknown
What is the effect of Thalidomide on the Kidneys?

Thalidomide may have mild side effects on the kidneys.

Mild
What is the effect of Thalidomide on the Liver?

Thalidomide has very mild side effects on the liver.

Mild
What is the effect of Thalidomide on the Heart?

The heart can be affected by Thalidomide. If you experience any unwanted effects of this drug, stop taking it and consult your doctor. You should restart the medicine only after medical advice.

Moderate

Severe Interaction of Thalidomide with Other Drugs

Thalidomide should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Severe

Pentazocine

Amitriptyline

Chlordiazepoxide

Moderate

Atorvastatin

Olmesartan

Thalidomide Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Thalidomide unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Drug Allergy
Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)
Epilepsy
Bleeding
Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Frequently asked Questions about Thalidomide

Is this Thalidomide habit forming or addictive?

Forming a habit of Thalidomide has not been reported.

No
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

No, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Thalidomide as you may feel sleepy.

Dangerous
Is it safe?

Thalidomide is safe but it is important to consult a doctor before taking it.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

Thalidomide is unable to treat or cure mental disorders.

No

Thalidomide Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Thalidomide

Information is not available on the interaction of any foods with Thalidomide, due to a lack of research on this.

Unknown
Interaction between Alcohol and Thalidomide

It is difficult to say anything about the effect of Thalidomide and alcohol. No research has been done on this yet.

Unknown

See all substitutes for Thalidomide

This medicine data has been created by -

Vikas Chauhan

B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience

References

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Thalomid® (thalidomide)

KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 786

April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 1195-1198

Thalidomide Capsule - Thycad 100 Capsule

Thalidomide Information