thalidomide Health Article

How should I take thalidomide?

While you are using thalidomide, you will be required to be listed on a patient registry and participate in occasional telephone surveys. You will be limited to a 28-day supply of thalidomide each time your prescription is refilled. You may continue getting refills only if you participate fully in the S.T.E.P.S. program and commit to all agreements.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Swallow the capsule whole, without breaking it open.

Thalidomide is usually taken at bedtime. Take the medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour after eating a meal.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your progress will need to be checked on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

You must not donate blood or sperm while you are using thalidomide. Avoid exposing another person to your blood or semen through casual or sexual contact.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Never give thalidomide to another person, even if he or she has the same disorder for which you are being treated.

Store thalidomide at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep each capsule in its blister pack until you are ready to take it.

Do not allow another person to handle your medicine without wearing disposable gloves. Caregivers should avoid handling broken capsules or inhaling the powder from a damaged capsule.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of thalidomide is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking thalidomide?

Thalidomide can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of thalidomide.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by thalidomide.