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Thalomid (thalidomide) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating adults with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
These insights are based on 234 comments about Thalomid from MyMyelomaTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Thalomid is an immunomodulatory drug. This means it affects parts of the immune system. Its exact way of working is not fully known.
Thalomid can increase some immune cells and proteins that help fight against cancerous myeloma cells.
Thalomid is used to treat people with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. It is given together with another medicine called dexamethasone. It is not known if Thalomid is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.
Thalomid is taken by mouth as a capsule. It is usually taken once each day at bedtime, at least one hour after the evening meal. It is used in combination with dexamethasone as part of a treatment schedule.
The recommended dose of Thalomid in combination with dexamethasone for multiple myeloma is 200 milligrams by mouth once daily, with water, preferably at bedtime and at least one hour after the evening meal.
Doctors may interrupt treatment for constipation, drowsiness, or peripheral neuropathy, and may restart Thalomid at a lower dose. Doctors may also reduce, delay, or stop treatment for severe side effects, and may permanently stop it if there is a serious allergic reaction or a severe skin reaction.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 234 comments about Thalomid from MyMyelomaTeam members.Members who use Thalomid often say it helps to stay in close contact with your care team, especially if side effects or lab changes occur. Many members also describe the value of specialist input, regular monitoring, and realistic expectations about long-term treatment and remission.
Tell your doctor about side effects early.
“I was on Thalomid for almost a year and did great until it didn’t. Heart rate dropped to 42, thus the switch.”
Watch closely for numbness, tingling, or nerve pain.
“My peripheral neuropathy is from thalidomide, which I took 2003-2006. I have no feeling in my feet and burning in my hands.”
Get regular blood work, and keep up with monitoring.
“When I was first diagnosed with myeloma in October 2014, they put me on monthly blood tests.”
Consider seeing a multiple myeloma specialist.
“You may also want to consider a myeloma specialist in addition to an oncologist/hematologist in your community. I found it helpful to have someone who deals only with myeloma and see her one to two times a year.”
Connect with others who understand life with multiple myeloma. Join MyMyelomaTeam for free.
In clinical studies of Thalomid used with dexamethasone to treat newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, the most common side effects occurred in 10 percent or more of people. They include:
Thalomid can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious side effect from Thalomid.
Bristol Myers Squibb, the manufacturer of Thalomid, offers Bristol Myers Squibb Access Support. Eligible individuals with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 copay per one-month supply.
To learn more, visit BMS Access Support or call 800-861-0048.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to thalidomide or any ingredients in Thalomid. Do not take Thalomid if you have had a serious allergic reaction to thalidomide or any of its ingredients.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. Thalomid and other medicines may affect each other, causing serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any new medications.
Before you take Thalomid, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Do not donate blood or sperm while you take Thalomid.
If you miss a dose of Thalomid and it has been less than 12 hours since your regular time, take it as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 12 hours, just skip your missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Thalomid is also FDA approved to treat erythema nodosum leprosum (a complication of leprosy).
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Thalomid, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Thalomid can cause severe and life-threatening birth defects, even after a single dose. Females who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant must not take Thalomid.
Females who can become pregnant must avoid pregnancy for at least four weeks before starting Thalomid, during treatment, including dose breaks, and for at least four weeks after stopping, and must use two reliable forms of birth control or abstain from sex. Males must use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with females who can become pregnant while taking Thalomid and for up to four weeks after stopping.
Before starting Thalomid, females who can become pregnant must have a pregnancy test. Pregnancy testing is also done during treatment.
Thalomid must not be used by females who are breastfeeding. It is not known if Thalomid passes into your breast milk and can harm your baby.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Thalomid?
In studies of people with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, Thalomid taken with dexamethasone worked better than dexamethasone alone. In one study, 52 percent of people responded to treatment with the Thalomid combination, compared with 36 percent with dexamethasone alone. In another study, the overall response rate was 63 percent versus 46 percent.
It took a longer amount of time for the cancer to get worse with the Thalomid combination. The median time before the cancer got worse was 97.7 weeks with the Thalomid combination and 28.3 weeks with dexamethasone alone.
Can Thalomid cause nerve damage in multiple myeloma?
Yes. Peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a common side effect and may be severe or permanent. People taking Thalomid should be checked monthly for the first three months.
The therapy should be stopped right away if symptoms of drug-related neuropathy develop, to help limit further and/or permanent damage.
Can Thalomid cause a slow heart rate in multiple myeloma?
Yes. Thalomid can cause a slow heart rate, called bradycardia. Doctors may monitor heart rate and watch for symptoms such as fainting. Lowering the dose or stopping treatment may be needed.
What tests or monitoring are needed with Thalomid for multiple myeloma?
People taking Thalomid need regular monitoring. Blood tests are done to check white blood cells and platelets, because the medication can lower these counts. Doctors also watch for nerve problems, slow heart rate, dizziness, low blood pressure, and signs of a blood clot, heart attack, and stroke.
Females who can become pregnant must have a pregnancy test before starting treatment and throughout treatment with Thalomid.
On MyMyelomaTeam, people share their experiences with multiple myeloma, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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