Pomalyst (pomalidomide)

Pomalyst® (pomalidomide) is a third-generation immunomodulatory drug, which can modify or regulate the functioning of the immune system..

Who Is a Candidate for Pomalyst?

Pomalyst plus dexamethasone (Pd) is indicated for patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies including both Revlimid® (lenalidomide) and a proteasome inhibitor such as Velcade® (bortezomib), Kyprolis® (carfilzomib), or Ninlaro® (ixazomib), and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of the last therapy.

Pomalyst in Other Regimens

In addition to therapy with Pd alone, Pomalyst is used in triplet regimens for previously treated myeloma, including in the following combination therapies:

• Darzalex® (daratumumab) plus Pd (or, DPd)
• Empliciti® (elotuzumab) plus Pd (or, EPd)
• Sarclisa® (isatuximab-irfc) plus Pd (or, SPd)

How Is Pomalyst Taken?

Pomalyst is taken in capsule form by mouth on days 1–21 of repeated 28-day cycles until disease progression. The dose is 4 mg per day orally (by mouth). Dosage is modified for certain patients with renal or hepatic impairment. 
Pomalyst should be taken at the same time of the day, with or without food. Swallow Pomalyst with water.

Special Precautions with Pomalyst

• Pomalyst causes embryo-fetal toxicity and is contraindicated in pregnancy. Female patients of reproductive potential and all male patients are required to complete a monthly phone survey.
• Pomalyst is available only through the “Pomalyst REMS®” (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program. Patients must sign an agreement and comply with the requirements.
• Deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), myocardial infarction (heart attack), and stroke can occur in patients with multiple myeloma treated with Pomalyst. You will receive a risk assessment from your doctor to determine which anticoagulant therapy is appropriate for you to prevent a blood clot, for example, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), myocardial infarction, and stroke.
• Smoking may reduce the efficacy of Pomalyst.

Possible Side Effects of Pomalyst

Possible side effects of Pomalyst include low blood cell counts, unusual tiredness or physical weakness, nausea, back pain, neuropathy, upper respiratory infection or pneumonia, constipation, diarrhea, fever, dizziness and confusion, and shortness of breath.

Tell your doctor about any side effects that bother you or that do not go away. Make sure you know how to get in touch with your doctor after office hours, on the weekend, and over a holiday.

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