What are the main uses for Pomalyst?

Pomalyst is used to treat adults with certain types of multiple myeloma or Kaposi sarcoma.

How should I take my pomaidomide capsules?

You should take the capsules orally, once daily, on days 1 through 21 of a 28-day cycle.

Does food affect how pomaidomide works?

No, you can take pomaidomide capsules with or without food.

What are the most common side effects of pomaidomide?

Common side effects include fatigue, low blood cell counts, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.

What should I do if I am planning to become pregnant?

Females of reproductive potential must avoid pregnancy for at least 4 weeks before, during, and for 4 weeks after finishing pomaidomide treatment.

Are there any dangerous drug interactions with pomaidomide?

Yes, you should avoid strong CYP1A2 inhibitors like fluvoxamine because they can increase the amount of pomaidomide in your system.

Can pomaidomide cause liver problems?

Yes, it can cause liver failure, so your doctor will likely monitor your liver function tests monthly.

pomalidomide | CAS 19171-19-8 | UVSMNLNDYGZFPF

Loading compound...

Immune system modulator and anti-cancer agent

How it worksPomalidomide is a thalidomide-like drug that works by targeting a specific protein complex in cells called CRL4(CRBN) E3 ubiquitin ligase. This helps the drug destroy certain proteins in tumor cells and changes how the immune system responds to cancer.

Brand names:POMALYST

Used for

Adults with multiple myeloma (MM) who have already had at least two other treatments, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor.Adults with AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS) after failing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).Adults with Kaposi sarcoma (KS) who are HIV-negative.

Conditions

Multiple MyelomaAIDS-related Kaposi sarcomaKaposi sarcoma (HIV-negative)

Class

ImmunomodulatorAntiangiogenicAntineoplasticImmune system modulator and anti-cancer agentImmune SystemHematologicHepaticIntegumentary

How to take

FormsOral capsule

RoutesOral

For multiple myeloma, the typical dose is 4 mg once daily on days 1 through 21 of a 28-day cycle. For Kaposi sarcoma, the typical dose is 5 mg once daily on days 1 through 21 of a 28-day cycle.

Pomalidomide can be taken with or without food. Doses may need to be changed for patients with liver or kidney issues.

Key warnings

Pomalidomide can cause severe birth defects or fetal death. It also carries a risk of blood clots. Females of reproductive potential must use two forms of contraception or abstain from sex during treatment and for 4 weeks after stopping.

·Pomalidomide can cause severe birth defects or fetal death. It also carries a risk of blood clots. Females of reproductive potential must use two forms of contraception or abstain from sex during treatment and for 4 weeks after stopping.
·Risk of severe birth defects (Embryo-Fetal Toxicity).
·Risk of blood clots (Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism).
·Risk of serious blood count decreases (Hematologic Toxicity).
·Risk of liver failure (Hepatotoxicity).
·Risk of severe skin reactions.
·Risk of Tumor Lysis Syndrome in patients with high tumor burdens.

Do not use if

·Pregnancy.
·Severe hypersensitivity (allergic reactions like swelling or anaphylaxis) to pomaidomide or its ingredients.

Side effects

Common

Fatigue and weaknessLow white blood cell or neutrophil countsAnemiaConstipationNauseaDiarrheaShortness of breathUpper respiratory tract infectionsBack painFever

Serious

·Severe birth defects or fetal death
·Blood clots (venous and arterial thromboembolism)
·Severe low blood cell counts (neutropenia)
·Liver failure
·Severe skin reactions
·Dizziness or confusion
·Nerve damage (neuropathy)
·Tumor lysis syndrome

Seek help if

·Severe skin reactions
·Signs of blood clots
·Signs of liver failure
·Signs of severe infection

Interactions

·Avoid using strong CYP1A2 inhibitors (like fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin) with pomaidomide, as they can increase the drug's levels in your body and raise toxicity risks. If you must take them, the dose of pomaidomide may need to be lowered to 2 mg.
·Interactions noted with Revlimid and Thalomid.

FoodPomalidomide can be taken with or without food.

Special populations

PregnancyPomalidomide is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy because it can cause severe birth defects or death to the fetus. Females of reproductive potential must have two negative pregnancy tests before starting and must use effective contraception during and for 4 weeks after treatment.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of pomaidomide have not been established in children.

GeriatricIn clinical studies for multiple myeloma, patients over 65 were more likely to experience pneumonia compared to younger patients.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Blood counts (neutrophils, white blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets)
·Liver function
·Signs of blood clots
·Skin reactions
·Signs of tumor lysis syndrome

Questions to ask

·What is my risk for blood clots while on pomaidomide?
·How often will my liver function be tested?
·What contraception methods should I use?
·How will this interact with my other medications?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetMaximum plasma concentration occurs 2 to 3 hours after taking a single dose.

MetabolismInvolves CYP1A2 pathway; strong inhibitors can increase levels.

ExcretionNot specifically detailed, but hemodialysis can remove it from circulation.

Practical

OverdoseHemodialysis can be used to remove pomaidomide from the blood.

Ingredients

Allergens

FD&C Blue 2FD&C Red 3

Inactive

mannitolpregelatinized starchcrosscarmellose sodiumsodium stearyl fumarategelatintitanium dioxideFD&C Blue 2yellow iron oxidewhite inkblack inkFD&C Red 3

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.