Thalomid^®

Thalomid^® (thalidomide) is an immunomodulatory agent, a type of drug that helps the immune system fight disease. It was approved in 2006 by the U.S. FDA to be used in conjunction with another cancer drug, dexamethasone, for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

Originally utilized as a treatment for insomnia and morning sickness during the late 1950s and early '60s, Thalomid^® is now associated with an extremely high risk of birth defects.

Thalomid^® is also FDA approved for the treatment of erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), a painful and disfiguring symptom of leprosy.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), our integrative care team is ready to educate and inform you about conventional, as well as complementary options, for multiple myeloma treatment. Working together with you, we'll help you decide whether Thalomid^® is appropriate for your needs.

Chat now with an Oncology Information Specialist from CTCA to learn more about our unique approach to multiple myeloma treatment.

The side effects of Thalomid^® will vary. However, if you are taking Thalomid^® and experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat, hives or other signs of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical help.

Potential side effects of Thalomid^® may include:

• Chest pains
• Pain or swelling in your extremities
• Slowed heart rate
• Flu-like symptoms
• A red, blistering, peeling skin rash
• A numb, burning or tingly feeling
• Convulsions

If you experience any of the aforementioned potential side effects of Thalomid^®, contact your doctor immediately.

Other more common, less serious side effects of Thalomid^® can include:

• Drowsiness
• Muscle weakness
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Nausea
• Decreased appetite

To help prevent complications, before you begin taking Thalomid^® you need to tell your doctor if you have:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• History of stroke
• Epilepsy
• Seizures
• Nerve disorders
• HIV or AIDS

Because it can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects during pregnancy, or the time of conception, Thalomid^® should not be taken if you are pregnant.

Because Thalomid^® may also cause additional side effects not mentioned on this page, it is important to communicate with your healthcare professional about any adverse reactions you experience.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we understand that multiple myeloma treatment affects each patient differently. That is why our integrative cancer care team works with you to create an individualized treatment plan designed to help you maintain your quality of life and manage side effects you may experience.

Thalomid^® is used in conjunction with dexamethasone to treat multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects the plasma type of white blood cells. Myeloma cells tend to collect in the bone marrow and in the hard, outer part of bones.

Thalomid^® appears to have multiple effects that may account for its disease-fighting activity against myeloma. These include:

• Inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumor cells
• Inhibiting the growth and survival of tumor and stromal cells
• Altering the production of the chemical messengers (cytokines) that are involved in the growth and survival of myeloma cells
• Stimulating T-cells that help the immune system attack tumor cells

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, Thalomid^® may be a treatment option for you. Chat now with an Oncology Information Specialist from Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) to learn more about our whole-person approach to multiple myeloma treatment.