A must-read for patients: An overview of basic information in the instructions for pomalidomide

1. Drug identification information

Generic name of the drug: pomalidomide, pomalidomide

Common brand names on the market:Pomalyst, Imnovid,

2. Treatment Scope and Application

1) Multiple myeloma (MM) treatment: When adult patients with multiple myeloma have experienced at least two previous therapies (such as lenalidomide and proteasome inhibitors), and the disease continues to worsen within 60 days after the last treatment, pomalidomide combined with dexamethasone can be used as an effective treatment option.

2) Treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS): Pomalidomide is also indicated for the treatment of adult patients with AIDS-related or HIV-negative Kaposi's sarcoma, especially after failure of other highly active antiretroviral treatments.

3. Usage and recommended dosage

1) Multiple myeloma: The recommended dose is 4 mg per day for 21 days, followed by 7 days of discontinuation, and this cycle continues until the disease progresses or serious side effects occur. Need to be used in combination with dexamethasone.

2) Kaposi's sarcoma: The daily dose is5mg, and the treatment cycle is the same as above. For patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, HAART treatment should be continued.

If adverse reactions occur, the dose needs to be adjusted according to the actual situation. If the patient cannot tolerate the minimum dose of 1 mg daily, treatment should be discontinued. Caution is required when using concomitantly with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors and the dose of pomalidomide may be reduced if necessary. In patients with impaired liver function, drug dosage should be adjusted according to the degree of impairment.

4. Possible side effects and risks

The use of pomalidomide may cause a variety of side effects, including but not limited to pancytopenia, thyroid dysfunction, gastrointestinal problems, liver failure, allergic reactions, etc. The most common side effects include anemia, fatigue and infections.

5. Drug storage recommendations

Recommended storage at 20°C to 25°C, allowed temperature range is 15°C to 30°C. Be sure to keep the original packaging of the medicine and avoid direct contact with the medicine powder. If you accidentally come into contact with it, wash it thoroughly with soap and water immediately.

6. Taboos of use

1) Pregnant and lactating women: Since pomalidomide may cause harm to the fetus, it is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women. Women of childbearing potential must ensure that they are not pregnant before starting treatment and use appropriate contraceptive measures during treatment

2) Allergic reaction: It is contraindicated in patients with severe allergic reaction to pomalidomide or any excipients.

7. Principle of drug action

Pomalidomide, as an analog of thalidomide, works through its specific target protein and shows multiple effects such as immunomodulation, anti-angiogenesis and anti-tumor. In in vitro experiments, it can effectively inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells and induce their apoptosis. It can also enhance the activity of immune cells, showing significant therapeutic effects.