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Pomalyst (pomalidomide) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating adults with multiple myeloma.
Pomalyst is a type of medication called an immunomodulatory drug that works by targeting a protein called cereblon, which helps control how certain cells grow and survive. This can slow cancer cell growth, trigger cancer cell death, and help the immune system attack myeloma cells.
In multiple myeloma, this helps reduce abnormal cell activity.
Doctors prescribe Pomalyst when an adult with multiple myeloma has already tried at least two multiple myeloma treatments, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor, and the disease got worse during treatment or within 60 days after the last treatment.
Pomalyst is given as a capsule taken by mouth, typically once a day on days one through 21 of each 28-day cycle.
The recommended dose of Pomalyst for multiple myeloma is 4 milligrams once daily by mouth on days one through 21 of each 28-day cycle until disease progression. It is usually given in combination with dexamethasone.
For people on hemodialysis, doctors recommend taking it after dialysis on dialysis days. Doctors may lower the dose for severe kidney problems requiring dialysis, liver impairment, certain side effects, or if a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor medication cannot be avoided.
This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical studies of Pomalyst used with dexamethasone for multiple myeloma in adults, the most common side effects occurred in about 15 percent to 63 percent of people. These side effects were reported in people who had already tried at least two prior treatments, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor.
Pomalyst can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction to Pomalyst.
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), the manufacturer of Pomalyst, offers the BMS Access Support Co-Pay Assistance Program. Eligible individuals with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 per one-month supply for oral medications, subject to program restrictions and maximum benefit limits.
Individuals insured through government healthcare programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare, are not eligible for Bristol Myers Squibb-sponsored copay assistance programs. However, BMS Access Support may be able to provide information about independent charitable foundations.
BMS Access Support also offers help identifying financial assistance programs for people who are uninsured or underinsured. To learn more, visit the BMS Access Support Co-Pay Assistance Program website or call 800-861-0048.
Before starting Pomalyst, if you are a female who can become pregnant, you must have two negative pregnancy tests before your first dose.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to pomalidomide or any ingredients in Pomalyst.
Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.
Do not take Pomalyst if you are pregnant or if you have had a serious allergic reaction, such as angioedema or anaphylaxis, to pomalidomide or any of its ingredients.
Pomalyst is also FDA-approved to treat Kaposi sarcoma.
If you miss a dose and it has been less than 12 hours since your usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking Pomalyst. Do not take Pomalyst if you are pregnant, and do not breastfeed during treatment.
If you can become pregnant, avoid pregnancy for at least four weeks before starting Pomalyst, during treatment, including dose breaks, and for at least four weeks after stopping. This involves either abstaining from heterosexual sex or using two reliable birth control methods. Male partners should use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact that could result in pregnancy while taking Pomalyst and for up to four weeks after stopping.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Pomalyst?
In a phase 3 study of adults with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, Pomalyst plus low-dose dexamethasone delayed disease worsening for a median of 3.6 months, compared with 1.8 months with high-dose dexamethasone. In another study, 29.2 percent of people taking Pomalyst plus low-dose dexamethasone had a response, compared with 7.4 percent taking Pomalyst alone. Among those who responded to the combination, the median length of response was 7.4 months.
What tests or monitoring are needed with Pomalyst for multiple myeloma?
People who can become pregnant need pregnancy testing before starting treatment and during treatment. Blood counts should be checked weekly for the first eight weeks and then monthly, because low white blood cells, low platelets, and anemia can occur. Liver function tests should be checked at least monthly.
On MyMyelomaTeam, people share their experiences with multiple myeloma, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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