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Overview

Thalidomide

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Thalidomide

Thalidomide is used to treat multiple myeloma and skin inflammation in leprosy. In the case of cancer patients, it has been used to increase certain substances that kill cancer cells. It is essentially an immunomodulatory drug.

This medicine should strictly not be used by pregnant women or those who could become pregnant. It passes into the semen, and hence men taking it should avoid sexual contact with women who are pregnant or can become pregnant. Effective birth control measures must be used.

The most controversial side effect of this medicine are birth defects in the upper and lower limbs, craniofacial area and in stature or even fetal death, if taken while pregnancy. The risk for blood clots increases if combined with dexamethasone. Do not take it if you take sodium oxybate.

This medicine is prescribed through special programs. Understand all instructions before taking it an hour after your dinner or at bedtime daily. It has been known to cause several internal defects as well such as liver damage, cardiovascular damage, peripheral neuropathy, and excessive blood clots in some special case.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Thalidomide

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Thalidomide ?

    • Hypersensitivity

    • Oral Contraceptives

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Thalidomide ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Thalidomide

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Taking this medicine along with alcohol may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      this medication is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy.
      Human and animal studies have shown significant adverse effects on the foetus. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      There is no interaction between renal impairment and consuming this drug. So dose alteration is not needed.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The effect is initiated in the initial 30 minutes of administration.

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The duration of action is maximum to 10 hours after the drug administration.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      If you miss a dose of Thalidomide, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Consult you doctor in case of overdosing.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Thalidomide

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Thalidomide as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication belongs to the class of an immunomodulatory drug used for treating certain types of cancer. It works by restricting the expansion of new blood vessels, thereby killing or preventing the growth of myeloma cells.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Thalidomide ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Medicine

        While taking this medication caution must be practised especially for those medicines which are known to cause peripheral neuropathy. It might potentiate the sedative action of the drugs like barbiturates, ethanol, chlorpromazine and reserpine.

      References

      • Thalidomide-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/thalidomide

      • Thalidomide-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01041

      • THALIDOMIDE capsule,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=THALIDOMIDE

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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