Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: THALIDOMIDE - ORAL (thal-ID-oh-mide)
BRAND NAME(S): Thalomid
Warning | Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: Because even a single dose of thalidomide can cause severe birth defects or fetal death, this drug 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, physicians, and pharmacists must agree to and comply with the requirements of the System for Thalidomide Education and Prescribing Safety (S.T.E.P.S.) program developed by the Food and Drug Administration in order to receive this medication. Patients (male or female) who use this medication must use reliable forms of birth control. For males, this means using a latex condom (see Precautions Section). If pregnancy does occur during treatment, contact your doctor immediately.
USES: This medication is used to treat or prevent certain skin conditions related to Hansen's disease (leprosy).
OTHER USES: This drug may also be used for certain conditions in cancer or HIV disease, and other diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis).
HOW TO USE: This medication must only be used within the S.T.E.P.S. Program (System for Thalidomide Education and Prescribing Safety) guidelines, in order to avoid any possible fetal exposure to the drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before starting therapy, women of childbearing age should have a pregnancy test within 24 hours before taking the drug. The drug is taken by mouth, generally at bedtime with water and at least one hour after the evening meal as directed. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions before using this drug.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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