POMALYST is a prescription medicine, taken along with the medicine dexamethasone, used to treat adults with multiple myeloma who have previously received at least 2 medicines to treat multiple myeloma, including a proteasome inhibitor and lenalidomide, and whose disease has become worse during treatment or within 60 days of finishing the last treatment. It is not known if POMALYST is safe and effective in children.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to some common questions about living with and treating relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
What if I can’t afford POMALYST?
If you need help paying for POMALYST, BMS Access Support® can help you and your loved ones understand the programs and services that may be available to you.
What does a “response” to treatment mean?
With MM, a response is an improvement in your myeloma numbers as a result of treatment. There are different levels of response. Response types generally differ by degree of myeloma cell and M protein reduction. Talk to your healthcare team about how response is determined.
My multiple myeloma has relapsed. What are my next steps?
Your doctor may repeat certain tests to make sure your results are accurate. If your MM has come back, you and your healthcare team will discuss available treatment options and decide on what’s best for you.
How long will I need to take POMALYST?
POMALYST with dexamethasone is intended to be used until your MM relapses or worsens. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking POMALYST if you develop certain serious side effects. Your doctor will also decide how long you should take POMALYST, so be sure to follow his or her instructions on treatment, schedule, and dose. Take POMALYST exactly as prescribed and follow all the instructions of the POMALYST REMS® program.
How will I receive POMALYST?
Your doctor must enroll you in the POMALYST Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program before they can prescribe you POMALYST. Keep in mind, there are special requirements for both men and women. See the POMALYST REMS® page for more information.
Every month, you will need to take a survey to receive your prescription. To help you complete your survey, you can download and use the REMS Companion App.
How should I take POMALYST?
- Take POMALYST exactly as prescribed and follow all the instructions of the POMALYST REMS program.
- Swallow POMALYST capsules whole with water 1 time a day. Do not break, chew, or open your capsules.
- POMALYST may be taken with or without food.
- Take POMALYST at about the same time each day.
- If you are on hemodialysis, take POMALYST after hemodialysis on hemodialysis days.
- Do not open the POMALYST capsules or handle them any more than needed. If you touch a broken POMALYST capsule or the medicine in the capsule, wash the area of your body right away with soap and water.
- If you miss a dose of POMALYST and it has been less than 12 hours since your regular time, take it as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 12 hours, just skip your missed dose. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
- If you take too much POMALYST, call your healthcare provider right away.
- Do not share POMALYST with other people. It may cause birth defects and other serious problems.
How do I talk to my doctor about side effects?
You may experience side effects while taking POMALYST. Tell your healthcare team about any side effects you experience. Your doctor may adjust or delay your dose, which could help manage some side effects, so you can stay on treatment longer. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking POMALYST if you develop certain serious side effects. Learn more about side effects.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of POMALYST and it has been less than 12 hours since your regular time, take it as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 12 hours, just skip your missed dose. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. If you take too much POMALYST, call your healthcare provider right away.
How should I store POMALYST?
- Store POMALYST at room temperature 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
- Return any unused POMALYST to Celgene or to your healthcare provider.
Keep POMALYST and all medicines out of the reach of children.
What should I tell my healthcare provider (HCP) before taking POMALYST?
Before you take POMALYST, tell your healthcare provider if you:
- smoke cigarettes. POMALYST may not work as well in people who smoke
- have liver problems
- have kidney problems and are receiving hemodialysis treatment
- have any other medical conditions
- are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed during treatment with POMALYST. It is not known if POMALYST passes into your breast milk and can harm your baby.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. POMALYST and other medicines may affect each other, causing serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any new medicines.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
Tell your HCP about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. POMALYST and other medicines may affect one another, causing serious side effects. Talk with your HCP before taking any new medicines.