Introduction:

Thalidomide is a drug available under prescription to treat and prevent skin inflammation in patients suffering from moderate to severe erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL, leprosy). Thalidomide is also used with dexamethasone for treating patients suffering from multiple myeloma. Being an immunomodulatory agent, Thalidomide prevents skin inflammation by working on the immune system and decreases the substances that are responsible for the inflammation. The drug is also helpful in increasing certain substances thae kill cancer cells. It is used for promoting immune responses for preventing inflammation in the body. Under the brand name of Generic Thalomid, it is available in the form of capsules for oral administration.

Indication:

Generic Thalomid capsules, in combination with dexamethasone, are indicated for Multiple Myeloma. These capsules are also indicated for acute treatment of the cutaneous manifestations of moderate to severe erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL).

Dosage And Administration:

Multiple Myeloma:

For treating multiple myeloma, Generic Thalomid capsules are administered in combination with dexamethasone in the 28-day treatment cycles. Patients should be administered with a dose of 200mg thalidomide once daily at bed time and a daily dose of 40mg of dexamethasone which should be administered on1-4, 9-12, and 17-20 every 28 days.

Erythema Nodosum Leprosum:

The initial dose of Generic Thalomid capsules for treating erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is100 to 300 mg/day which should be taken once daily at bed time or an hour after the evening meal. Patients who have a body weight less than 50 kilograms should be administered with low end of the dose range. A high dose of 400 mg per day should be administered patients with a severe cutaneous ENL reaction. They should take tablet at bedtime.

Side Effects:

The most frequently reported adverse events of Generic Thalomid capsules are sensory neuropathy, edema, thrombosis/ embolism, constipation, rash/desquamation, confusion, dyspnea and hypocalcemia. Upper extremity pain, abdomen enlarged, fever and photosensitivity are rare but serious side effects of these capsules. Other side effects of the drug are hypertension, amyloidosis, bone tenderness, hypotension, increased liver function tests, bilirubinemia, hyperesthesia, skin necrosis, eye pain and urinary frequency.

Side effects should be immediately reported to your doctor.

Drug Interaction:

There are a few drugs which are interactive with Thalidomide. So, either the drugs are to be completely avoided or the dosage may be adjusted to reduce the effect of the interaction. The drug potentiates the sedative activity of reserpine, alcohol, barbiturates, and chlorpromazine. Patients who are taking medications that are associated peripheral neuropathy should be cautious while taking this drug. Women who are taking this drug should either avoid heterosexual sexual contact or should use two other effective or highly effective methods of contraception as this drug reduces the effectiveness of contraceptives.

Drug Contraindication:

Generic Thalomid capsules are contraindicated in Category X Pregnancy and with those who have shown hypersensitivity to Thalidomide or any one or all of the inactive ingredients of the drug.

Storage:

Generic Thalomid capsules should be stored away from direct heat and light, at room temperature ranging from15-30° C or 59-86° F. Keep away from small children and pets. Discard unwanted medicines after the expiry date.