Pomalidomide specifically is a thalidomide analogue used in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have taken at least a couple of prior therapies including
lenalidomide and bortezomib and have shown disease progression on or within 2 months of completion of the recent therapy.
Approval: In the month of February 2013, the pomalidomide was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. It has been approved in order to be used in those who have taken at least a couple of prior therapies including bortezomib and lenalidomide and have shown the disease progression on or within 2 months of completion of the last therapy. In the month of August 2013, pomalidomide received a similar approval from the European Commission.
Dosage Form: Pomalidomide comes in the form of Capsules generically and under the brand name Pomalyst. The standard starting dose is pomalidomide 4 mg once daily orally on Days 1 to 21 of repeated 28-day cycles until the disease is progressive.
Pomalidomide may be administered together with dexamethasone. Pomalidomide may be taken with water. Patients are apprised not to break, chew or open the capsules. The drug pomalidomide is administered without food (minimum 2 hours before or 2 hours after a meal).
Side Effects: Side effects of pomalidomide(1mg, 2mg, 3mg, 4mg) are usually mild and not life threatening. The commonly reported side effects may include fatigue, neutropenia, asthenia, constipation, anemia, nausea, diarrhea, dyspnea, upper respiratory tract infections, pyrexia and back pain.
Cost: The pomalidomide cost in India may vary depending on the wholesaler or pharmacy and of course the brand you choose. The cost of pomalidomide 4 mg usually ranges from around Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 17,955 for a supply of 21 capsules.
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