Pomalidomide, also known as Imnovid, belongs to a group of drugs called immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), which work by modifying the immune system. The immune system is a collection of tissues and organs that help to protect the body from infection and against disease.
This multiple myeloma medication (Pomalidomide) has a similar chemical structure to other immunomodulatory drugs, such as thalidomide and lenalidomide (Revlimid), which are also used to treat myeloma. Pomalidomide is useful in multiple myeloma treatment. This drug is thought to have several mechanisms of action that affect myeloma cell survival. However, the exact way it works is not fully understood. This medication is thought to function in the following ways, which are as follows:
- By topping or killing the growth of myeloma cells.
- Blocking the growth of new blood vessels that supply the myeloma cells with oxygen and nutrition (anti-angiogenesis).
- Boosting the immune response against the myeloma cells.
- Commuting the production of chemical messages which involved in the growth and survival of myeloma cells.
- Also, in preventing the myeloma cells from sticking to the bone marrow.
Side Effects of pomalidomide:
As with all drugs, pomalidomide 4 mg, 2 mg and 1 mg has a number of potential side-effects. These vary considerably from patient to patient and may be mild or more serious.
As side-effects can usually be treated or managed, it is important to report them promptly to your doctor or nurse. The earlier your doctor or nurse is aware of any side-effects, the sooner they can help minimise any damage they may cause. The possible side effects include:
- Fever
- Flu (influenza), nose, throat and sinus infections
- Swelling of arms or legs
- Changes in taste (dysgeusia)
- Inflammation of mouth and lips (stomatitis).
- Tiredness
- Rash, itching
- Weight loss.
- Abdominal pain, pelvic pain, back pain, chest pain.
- Muscle spasm
- Falls
- Headache
- Tremor
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty breathing / breathlessness (dyspnea)
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea, nausea, constipation, vomiting, loss of appetite, indigestion (dyspepsia), bloating (abdominal distension).
