Thalidomide Oral Capsule (THALIDOMIDE - ORAL)

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

Keep the medicine in its original container.

Take the medicine with 250 mL (1 cup) of water.

Take this medicine 1-2 hours after a meal.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

You may need to cycle between periods of taking the medicine and taking breaks from the medicine to allow your body to recover. Follow your instructions carefully.

Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 12 hours to the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of this medicine at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Avoid touching any powder from an open or broken capsule. If the powder touches the skin, nose, or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

Wear disposable gloves when handling this medicine.

Always wash your hands after handling this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk for serious blood clots. Speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks from using this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

Women must use 2 reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 4 weeks after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Female patients of childbearing age, or partners of male patients, should have monthly pregnancy tests during treatment and for 6 months after treatment to make sure they are not pregnant.

Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use a condom during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 4 weeks after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.

Do not donate blood or sperm for at least 4 weeks after the last dose of this medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• confusion
• constipation
• coughing
• dizziness or drowsiness
• slow heartbeat
• lightheadedness
• dry skin
• vomiting
• weakness

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• bleeding or bruising
• chest pain
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• depression or feeling sad
• fever or chills
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• severe or persistent headache
• sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
• mood changes
• muscle cramps or weakness
• red, burning, or itchy skin
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• bloody or dark, tarry stools
• symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
• blood in urine
• blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.