Side effects after taking pomalidomide

Pomalidomide (Pomalidomide) is an immunomodulatory drug mainly used to treat multiple myeloma (MM) and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Although pomalidomide has significant therapeutic effects, it may also cause some side effects, especially when used long-term or in combination with other medications. The following are common side effects of pomalidomide:

1. Blood system related side effects:

Pomalidomide may cause hematologic adverse reactions, the most common of which include leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. These side effects may reduce the patient's immunity and increase the risk of infection. Also, low platelets may cause bleeding or bruising. Therefore, during treatment with pomalidomide, patients need to undergo regular blood routine examinations in order to promptly detect and deal with abnormalities in the blood system.

2. Risk of thrombosis:

Pomalidomide may increase the risk of thrombosis, especially when combined with other drugs (such as dexamethasone). When using pomalidomide, patients need to regularly monitor the blood coagulation function and pay attention to any abnormal symptoms, such as leg swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain, etc., which may be manifestations of blood clots.

3. Nervous system side effects:

Some patients may experience dizziness, drowsiness, headache and other neurological symptoms after taking pomalidomide. Although these symptoms are usually mild, they can still affect the patient's daily life. During treatment, patients should avoid activities that require a high degree of concentration, such as driving.

4. Gastrointestinal reactions:

Pomalidomide may also cause gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In order to alleviate these discomforts, patients can adjust their diet according to the doctor's recommendations and use anti-vomiting drugs for symptomatic treatment. Generally, these symptoms will gradually ease with treatment.

Keyword tags:

Pomalidomide, side effects, blood system, thrombosis, nervous system, gastrointestinal effects, skin reactions, liver function, fertility effects

Reference materials:https://www.myeloma.org/pomalyst-pomalidomide