Thalidomide

What Thalidomide is and how it works

Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.

What Thalidomide is used for

Before taking Thalidomide

Do not take / not appropriate for

• Do not take thalidomide if you are pregnant. Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication. Thalidomide is a powerful human teratogen: even a single dose taken during pregnancy can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects or death of the unborn baby. (all countries)
• Do not take thalidomide if you have ever had a hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to thalidomide or to any of its components. (all countries)
• Do not take thalidomide unless it is supplied through the restricted THALOMID REMS pregnancy-prevention programme. Because of the risk to an unborn baby, the medicine is available in the US only through that programme. (United States)
• Females who could become pregnant must not take thalidomide unless they either abstain continuously from heterosexual intercourse or use two reliable methods of birth control at the same time — starting 4 weeks before the first dose, throughout treatment, during any break in dosing, and for 4 weeks after the last dose. (all countries)
• Females who could become pregnant must not start thalidomide without two negative pregnancy tests: the first 10 to 14 days before treatment and the second within 24 hours before the medicine is prescribed. Testing then continues weekly for the first month, and after that monthly if menstrual cycles are regular or every 2 weeks if they are irregular. (all countries)
• Males taking thalidomide must not have sexual contact with a female who could become pregnant without using a latex or synthetic condom every time — while taking thalidomide and for up to 4 weeks after the last dose, even after a successful vasectomy — because thalidomide is present in semen. Males taking thalidomide must not donate sperm. (all countries)
• Do not donate blood while taking thalidomide or for 4 weeks after the last dose, because the blood could be given to a pregnant patient whose unborn baby must not be exposed to thalidomide. (all countries)

Tell your clinician about

• If there is any chance at all that you are pregnant, or if you miss a period, stop thalidomide immediately and contact your clinician.
• Which two methods of contraception you are using, and whether either has failed or been missed.
• Any history of blood clots in the legs or lungs: the boxed warning states that thalidomide, particularly with dexamethasone, increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (22.5% with thalidomide plus dexamethasone versus 4.9% with dexamethasone alone).
• Any heart disease, previous heart attack, or stroke — ischaemic heart disease and stroke have been observed with thalidomide plus dexamethasone.
• Any drowsiness or sleepiness, and any numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
• Every other medicine you take, including any that cause drowsiness.
• Breastfeeding, or plans to breastfeed.

How to take Thalidomide

• General Instructions: Take thalidomide exactly as prescribed under the mandatory THALOMID REMS program, which includes required pregnancy testing and contraception counseling for anyone who could become pregnant.. When To Seek Review: Seek medical attention immediately for leg swelling/pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, or any sign of pregnancy.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, out of reach of children, in the original REMS-dispensed packaging.

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, contact your prescriber for guidance rather than deciding on your own.

Overdose

In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Side effects

Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.

Serious warnings

Interactions

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Monitoring

Storage

Follow the exact product label and keep medicines away from children.

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Thalidomide — Prescribing InformationDailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — mirrored on MedGuideGlobal · United States · accessed null · source 1
2. THALOMID (thalidomide) capsule — Prescribing Information (DailyMed)DailyMed / authoritative reference · United States · accessed 2026-08-08 · source 2
3. THALOMID (THALIDOMIDE) CAPSULE [CELGENE CORPORATION] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
4. Thalidomide — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
5. Thalomid — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA NDA020785)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
6. Thalidomide — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 10432)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient Thalidomide names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries