Clinical drug

pomalidomide 2 MG Oral Capsule [Pomalyst]

2 MG · Oral Capsule · oral

A form of pomalidomide

pomalidomide 2 MG Oral Capsule [Pomalyst] — Other immunosuppressants. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pomalidomide capsules are a thalidomide analogue indicated, for the treatment of adult patients: in combination with dexamethaso

pomalidomide 2 MG Oral Capsule [Pomalyst]

Boxed warning

BOXED WARNING WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY and VENOUS AND ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Pomalidomide capsules are contraindicated in pregnancy. Pomalidomide capsules are a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe birth defects or embryo-fetal death. In females of reproductive potential, obtain 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting pomalidomide capsules treatment. Females of reproductive potential must use 2 forms of contraception or continuously abstain from heterosexual sex during and for 4 weeks after stopping pomalidomide capsules treatment [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3 )]. Pomalidomide capsules are only available through a restricted distribution program called PS-Pomalidomide REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 )]. Information about PS-Pomalidomide REMS is available at www.PS-PomalidomideREMS.com or by calling the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436. Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism Deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), myocardial infarction, and stroke occur in patients with multiple myeloma treated with pomalidomide capsules. Prophylactic antithrombotic measures were employed in clinical trials. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended, and the choice of regimen should be based on assessment of the patient's underlying risk factors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 )]. WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY and VENOUS AND ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY Pomalidomide capsules are contraindicated in pregnancy. Pomalidomide capsules are a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe life-threatening birth defects ( 4, 5.1, 8.1 ). For females of reproductive potential: Exclude pregnancy before start of treatment. Prevent pregnancy during treatment by the use of 2 reliable methods of contraception ( 5.1, 8.3 ). Pomalidomide capsules are available only through a restricted program called PS-Pomalidomide REMS ( 5.2 ). VENOUS AND ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM Deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), myocardial infarction, and stroke occur in patients with multiple myeloma treated with pomalidomide capsules. Antithrombotic prophylaxis is recommended ( 5.3 ).

Active ingredient

Classification

Other immunosuppressantsThalidomide Analog

Drug interactions

Pomalidomide has significant interactions with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors, necessitating dose adjustments to mitigate risks.

  • majorstrong CYP1A2 inhibitors — Increased risk of exposure related toxicities

Real-world adverse events (FAERS)

Plasma Cell Myeloma7,942Death7,602Fatigue7,373Pneumonia6,221Off Label Use4,481Diarrhoea3,829White Blood Cell Count Decreased3,618Neutropenia3,270

Indications

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pomalidomide capsules are a thalidomide analogue indicated, for the treatment of adult patients: in combination with dexamethasone, for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of the last therapy ( 1.1 ). with AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS) after failure of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) or in patients with KS who are HIV- negative. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s) ( 1.2 ). 1.1 Multiple Myeloma Pomalidomide capsules , in combination with dexamethasone, is indicated for adult patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of the last therapy. 1.2 Kaposi Sarcoma Pomalidomide capsules are indicated for the treatment of: Adult patients with AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS) after failure of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in adult patients who are HIV-negative. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION MM: 4 mg per day taken orally on Days 1 through 21 of repeated 28-­day cycles until disease progression (2.2). Refer to section 14.1 for dexamethasone dosing (14.1) . KS: 5 mg per day taken orally on Days 1 through 21 of repeated 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (2.3) . Modify the dosage for certain patients with renal impairment (2.7, 8.6) or hepatic impairment (2.8, 8.7) . 2.1 Pregnancy Testing Prior to Administration Females of reproductive potential must have negative pregnancy testing and use contraception methods before initiating pomalidomide capsules [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ]. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Multiple Myeloma The recommended dosage of pomalidomide capsules is 4 mg once daily orally with or without food on Days 1 through 21 of each 28-day cycle until disease progression. Give pomalidomide capsules in combination with dexamethasone [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for Kaposi Sarcoma The recommended dosage of pomalidomide capsules is 5 mg once daily taken orally with or without food on Days 1 through 21 of each 28-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Continue HAART as HIV treatment in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS) [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . 2.4 Dosage Modifications for Hematologic Adverse Reactions Multiple Myeloma: Dosage Modifications for Hematologic Adverse Reactions Initiate a new cycle of pomalidomide capsules in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) when the neutrophil count is at least 500 per mcL and the platelet count is at least 50,000 per mcL. Dosage modification for pomalidomide capsules for hematologic adverse reactions in patients with MM are summarized in Table 1. Table 1: Dosage Modifications for Pomalidomide Capsules for Hematologic in MM * Permanently discontinue pomalidomide capsules if unable to tolerate 1 mg once daily. ANC= absolute neutrophil count Adverse Reaction Severity Dosage Modification Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] ANC less than 500 per mcL or febrile neutropenia (fever greater than or equal to 38.5°C and ANC less than 1,000 per mcL) Withhold pomalidomide capsules until ANC is greater than or equal to 500 per mcL; follow CBC weekly. Resume pomalidomide capsules dose at 1 mg less than the previous dose.* For each subsequent drop of ANC less than 500 per mcL Withhold pomalidomide capsules until ANC is greater than or equal to 500 mcL. Resume pomalidomide capsules dose at 1 mg less than the previous dose.* Thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Platelets less than 25,000 per mcL Withhold pomalidomide capsules until platelets are greater than or equal to 50,000 per mcL; follow CBC weekly. Resume pomalidomide capsules dose at 1 mg less than the previous dose* For each subsequent drop of platelets less than 25,000 per mcL Withhold pomalidomide capsules until platelets are greater than or equal to 50,000 per mcL. Resume pomalidomide capsules at 1 mg less than the previous dose* Kaposi Sarcoma: Dosage Modifications for Hematologic Adverse Reactions Initiate a new cycle of pomalidomide capsules in patients with KS when the neutrophil count is at least 1000 per mcL and the platelet count is at least 75,000 per mcL. Dose modifications for pomalidomide capsules for hematologic adverse reactions in patients with KS are summarized in Table 2. Table 2: Dosage Modifications for Pomalidomide Capsules for Hematologic Adverse Reactions in KS * Permanently discontinue pomalidomide capsules if unable to tolerate 1mg once daily. ANC= absolute neutrophil count Adverse Reaction Severity Dosage Modification Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] ANC 500 to less than 1,000 per mcL Day 1 of cycle Withhold pomalidomide capsules until ANC is greater than or equal to 1,000 per mcL. Resume pomalidomide capsules at the same dose. During cycle Continue pomalidomide capsules at the current dose. ANC less than 500 per mcL Withhold pomalidomide capsules until ANC is greater than or equal to 1,000 per mcL. Resume pomalidomide capsules at the same dose. Febrile Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] ANC less than 1,000 per mcL and single temperature greater than or equal to 38.3 ᵒ C or ANC less than 1,000 per mcL and sustained temperature greater than or equal to 38 ᵒ C for more than 1 hour Withhold pomalidomide capsules until ANC is greater than or equal to 1,000 per mcL. Resume pomalidomide capsules at dose 1 mg less than the previous dose.* Thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Platelet count 25,000 to less than 50,000 per mcL Day 1 of cycle Withhold pomalidomide capsules until platelet count is greater than or equal to 50,000 per mcL. Resume pomalidomide capsules at the same dose. During cycle: Continue pomalidomide capsules at the current dose. Platelet count less than 25,000 per mcL Permanently discontinue pomalidomide capsules. 2.5 Dosage Modifications for Non-Hematologic Adverse Reactions Permanently discontinue pomalidomide capsules for angioedema, anaphylaxis, Grade 4 rash, skin exfoliation, bullae, or any other severe dermatologic reaction [See Warnings and Precautions (5.7 , 5.12) ]. For other Grade 3 or 4 toxicities, hold treatment and restart treatment at 1 mg less than the previous dose when toxicity has resolved to less than or equal to Grade 2 at the physician’s discretion. 2.6 Dosage Modifications for Strong CYP1A2 Inhibitors Avoid concomitant use of pomalidomide capsules with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors. If concomitant use of a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor is unavoidable, reduce pomalidomide capsules dose to 2 mg [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 2.7 Dosage Modification for Severe Renal Impairment on Hemodialysis Take pomalidomide capsules after completion of dialysis procedure on hemodialysis days [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . For patients with MM with severe renal impairment requiring dialysis, reduce the recommended dosage to 3 mg orally daily. For patients with KS with severe renal impairment requiring dialysis, reduce the recommended dosage to 4 mg orally daily. 2.8 Dosage Modification for Hepatic Impairment Multiple Myeloma For patients with MM with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A or B), reduce the recommended dosage to 3 mg orally daily. For patients with MM with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C), reduce the recommended dosage to 2 mg [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Kaposi Sarcoma For patients with KS with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A, B, or C), reduce the recommended dosage to 3 mg orally daily [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 2.9 Administration Swallow capsules whole with water. Do not break, chew, or open the capsules. Pomalidomide capsules may be taken with or without food.

Warnings

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Increased Mortality: Observed in patients with MM when pembrolizumab was added to dexamethasone and a thalidomide analogue ( 5.4 ). Hematologic Toxicity: Neutropenia was the most frequently reported Grade 3/4 adverse event. Monitor patients for hematologic toxicities, especially neutropenia ( 5.5 ). Hepatotoxicity: Hepatic failure including fatalities; monitor liver function tests monthly ( 5.6 ). Severe Cutaneous Reactions: Discontinue pomalidomide capsules for severe reactions ( 5.7 ). Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): Monitor patients at risk of TLS (i.e., those with high tumor burden) and take appropriate precautions ( 5.11 ). Hypersensitivity: Monitor patients for potential hypersensitivity. Discontinue pomalidomide capsules for angioedema and anaphylaxis ( 5.12 ). 5.1 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Pomalidomide capsules are a thalidomide analogue and are contraindicated for use during pregnancy. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe birth defects or embryo-fetal death [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. Pomalidomide capsules are only available through PS-Pomalidomide REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 )]. Females of Reproductive Potential Females of reproductive potential must avoid pregnancy for at least 4 weeks before beginning Pomalidomide Capsules therapy, during therapy, during dose interruptions and for at least 4 weeks after completing therapy. Females must commit either to abstain continuously from heterosexual sexual intercourse or to use 2 methods of reliable birth control, beginning 4 weeks prior to initiating treatment with pomalidomide capsules, during therapy, during dose interruptions, and continuing for 4 weeks following discontinuation of pomalidomide capsules therapy. Two negative pregnancy tests must be obtained prior to initiating therapy. The first test should be performed within 10-14 days and the second test within 24 hours prior to prescribing pomalidomide capsules therapy and then weekly during the first month, then monthly thereafter in females with regular menstrual cycles, or every 2 weeks in females with irregular menstrual cycles [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3 )]. Males Pomalidomide is present in the semen of patients receiving the drug. Therefore, males must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with females of reproductive potential while taking pomalidomide capsules and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuing pomalidomide capsules, even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy. Male patients taking pomalidomide capsules must not donate sperm [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ]. Blood Donation Patients must not donate blood during treatment with pomalidomide capsules and for 4 weeks following discontinuation of the drug because the blood might be given to a pregnant female patient whose fetus must not be exposed to pomalidomide capsules. 5.2 PS-Pomalidomide REMS Because of the embryo-fetal risk [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ], pomalidomide capsules are available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), “PS-Pomalidomide REMS”. Required components of PS-Pomalidomide REMS include the following: Prescribers must be certified with PS-Pomalidomide REMS by enrolling and complying with the REMS requirements. Patients must sign a Patient-Physician Agreement Form and comply with the REMS requirements. In particular, female patients of reproductive potential who are not pregnant must comply with the pregnancy testing and contraception requirements [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] and males must comply with contraception requirements [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ]. Pharmacies must be certified with PS-Pomalidomide REMS, must only dispense to patients who are authorized to receive pomalidomide capsules and comply with REMS requirements. Further information about PS-Pomalidomide REMS is available at www.PS-PomalidomideREMS.com or by telephone at 1-888-423-5436. 5.3 Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism Venous thromboembolic events (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboembolic events (myocardial infarction and stroke) have been observed in patients treated with pomalidomide capsules. In Trial 2, where anticoagulant therapies were mandated, thromboembolic events occurred in 8.0% of patients treated with pomalidomide capsules and low dose-dexamethasone (Low-dose Dex), and 3.3% of patients treated with high-dose dexamethasone. Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) occurred in 4.7% of patients treated with pomalidomide capsules and Low-dose Dex, and 1.3% of patients treated with high-dose dexamethasone. Arterial thromboembolic events include terms for arterial thromboembolic events, ischemic cerebrovascular conditions, and ischemic heart disease. Arterial thromboembolic events occurred in 3.0% of patients treated with pomalidomide capsules and Low-dose Dex, and 1.3% of patients treated with high-dose dexamethasone. Patients with known risk factors, including prior thrombosis, may be at greater risk, and actions should be taken to try to minimize all modifiable factors (e.g., hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking). Thromboprophylaxis is recommended, and the choice of regimen should be based on assessment of the patient's underlying risk factors. 5.4 Increased Mortality in Patients with Multiple Myeloma When Pembrolizumab Is Added to a Thalidomide Analogue and Dexamethasone In two randomized clinical trials in patients with MM, the addition of pembrolizumab to a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone, a use for which no PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody is indicated, resulted in increased mortality. Treatment of patients with MM with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials. 5.5 Hematologic Toxicity Multiple Myeloma In trials 1 and 2 in patients who received pomalidomide + Low-dose Dex, neutropenia was the most frequently reported Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction, followed by anemia and thrombocytopenia. Neutropenia of any grade was reported in 51% of patients in both trials. The rate of Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was 46%. The rate of febrile neutropenia was 8%. Monitor patients for hematologic toxicities, especially neutropenia. Monitor complete blood counts weekly for the first 8 weeks and monthly thereafter. Patients may require dose interruption and/or modification [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ]. Kaposi Sarcoma In Trial 12-C-0047, hematologic toxicities were the most common (all grades and Grade 3 or 4) adverse reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Fifty percent of patients had Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Monitor patients for hematologic toxicities, especially decreased neutrophils. Monitor complete blood counts every 2 weeks for the first 12 weeks and monthly thereafter. Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue pomalidomide based on the severity of the reaction [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ]. 5.6 Hepatotoxicity Hepatic failure, including fatal cases, has occurred in patients treated with pomalidomide capsules. Elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin have also been observed in patients treated with pomalidomide capsules. Monitor liver function tests monthly. Stop pomalidomide capsules upon elevation of liver enzymes and evaluate. After return to baseline values, treatment at a lower dose may be considered. 5.7 Severe Cutaneous Reactions Severe cutaneous reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported. DRESS may present with a cutaneous reaction (such as rash or exfoliative dermatitis), eosinophilia, fever, and/or lymphadenopathy with systemic complications such as hepatitis, nephritis, pneumonitis, myocarditis, and/or pericarditis. These reactions can be fatal. Consider pomalid

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Pregnancy ( 4.1 ) Hypersensitivity ( 4.2 ) 4.1 Pregnancy Pomalidomide capsules are contraindicated in females who are pregnant. Pomalidomide capsules can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Pomalidomide is a thalidomide analogue and is teratogenic in both rats and rabbits when administered during the period of organogenesis. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential risk to a fetus. 4.2 Hypersensitivity Pomalidomide Capsules are contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated severe hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, anaphylaxis) to pomalidomide or any of the excipients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) , Description (11) ] .

Mechanism of action

Mechanism of Action Pomalidomide is an analogue of thalidomide with immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic, and antineoplastic properties. Cellular activities of pomalidomide are mediated through its target cereblon, a component of a cullin ring E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme complex. In vitro , in the presence of drug, substrate proteins (including Aiolos and Ikaros) are targeted for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation leading to direct cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects. In in vitro cellular assays, pomalidomide inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of hematopoietic tumor cells. Additionally, pomalidomide inhibited the proliferation of lenalidomide-resistant multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines and synergized with dexamethasone in both lenalidomide-sensitive and lenalidomide-resistant cell lines to induce tumor cell apoptosis. Pomalidomide enhanced T cell- and natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immunity and inhibited production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-6) by monocytes. Pomalidomide demonstrated anti-angiogenic activity in a mouse tumor model and in the in vitro umbilical cord model.

Indicated ICD-10 codes

Source: RxNorm + openFDA + RxClass + FAERS · 2026

Look up another medication

Powered by Eleplan

A drug lookup is just the start. Eleplan keeps the whole care plan in one place.

Medications, diagnoses, documents, appointments, and the whole care team — organized and always in sync, with Ellie, your AI care assistant, on top of it. Free to start.