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Pomalidomide

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Pomalidomide, Pomalyst

Brand Names
Pomalidomide, Pomalyst
Dosage Form
POWDER
Product Type
BULK INGREDIENT

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY and VENOUS AND ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY and VENOUS AND ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY

  • POMALYST is contraindicated in pregnancy. POMALYST is 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 ). POMALYST is 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 POMALYST. Antithrombotic prophylaxis is recommended ( 5.3 ). Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
  • POMALYST is contraindicated in pregnancy. POMALYST is 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 POMALYST treatment.
  • Females of reproductive potential must use 2 forms of contraception or continuously abstain from heterosexual sex during and for 4 weeks after stopping POMALYST treatment [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ]. POMALYST is 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 POMALYST. 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) ].

    • Description

    11 DESCRIPTION Pomalidomide is a thalidomide analog. The chemical name is (RS)-4-Amino-2-(2,6-dioxo-piperidin-3-yl)-isoindoline-1,3-dione and it has the following chemical structure: The empirical formula for pomalidomide is C 13 H 11 N 3 O 4 and the gram molecular weight is 273.24. Pomalidomide is a yellow solid powder. It has limited to low solubility into organic solvents and it has low solubility in all pH solutions (about 0.01 mg/mL). Pomalidomide has a chiral carbon atom which exists as a racemic mixture of the R(+) and S(-) enantiomers. POMALYST is available in 1-mg, 2-mg, 3-mg, and 4-mg capsules for oral administration. Each capsule contains pomalidomide as the active ingredient and the following inactive ingredients: mannitol, pregelatinized starch, and sodium stearyl fumarate. The 1-mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue 2, yellow iron oxide, white ink, and black ink. The 2-mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue 2, yellow iron oxide, FD&C red 3, and white ink. The 3-mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue 2, yellow iron oxide, and white ink. The 4-mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue 1, FD&C blue 2, and white ink. pom-chem-structure

    What Is Pomalidomide Used For?

    1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE POMALYST is 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 POMALYST, 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 POMALYST is 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 and Administration

    2 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 POMALYST [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 POMALYST is 4 mg once daily orally with or without food on Days 1 through 21 of each 28-day cycle until disease progression. Give POMALYST in combination with dexamethasone [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . 2.3 Recommended Dosage for Kaposi Sarcoma The recommended dosage of POMALYST 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 POMALYST 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 POMALYST for hematologic adverse reactions in patients with MM are summarized in Table 1. Table 1: Dosage Modifications for POMALYST for Hematologic in MM Adverse Reaction Severity Dosage Modification * Permanently discontinue POMALYST if unable to tolerate 1 mg once daily. ANC= absolute neutrophil count 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 POMALYST until ANC is greater than or equal to 500 per mcL; follow CBC weekly.
  • Resume POMALYST dose at 1 mg less than the previous dose.*
  • For each subsequent drop of ANC less than 500 per mcL
  • Withhold POMALYST until ANC is greater than or equal to 500 mcL.
  • Resume POMALYST dose at 1 mg less than the previous dose.* Thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]
  • Platelets less than 25,000 per mcL
  • Withhold POMALYST until platelets are greater than or equal to 50,000 per mcL; follow CBC weekly.
  • Resume POMALYST dose at 1 mg less than the previous dose*
  • For each subsequent drop of platelets less than 25,000 per mcL
  • Withhold POMALYST until platelets are greater than or equal to 50,000 per mcL.
  • Resume POMALYST at 1 mg less than the previous dose* Kaposi Sarcoma: Dosage Modifications for Hematologic Adverse Reactions...

    • Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

    6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described in detail in other labeling sections:

  • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) ]
  • Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]
  • Increased Mortality in Patients with Multiple Myeloma When Pembrolizumab Is Added to a Thalidomide Analogue and Dexamethasone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]
  • Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
  • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]
  • Severe Cutaneous Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ]
  • Dizziness and Confusional State [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ]
  • Neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ]
  • Risk of Second Primary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ]
  • Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ]
  • Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ]
  • MM: Most common adverse reactions (≥30%) included fatigue and asthenia, neutropenia, anemia, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, dyspnea, upper-respiratory tract infections, back pain, and pyrexia ( 6.1 ).
  • KS: Most common adverse reactions including laboratory abnormalities (≥30%) are decreased absolute neutrophil count or white blood cells, elevated creatinine or glucose, rash, constipation, fatigue, decreased hemoglobin, platelets, phosphate, albumin, or calcium, increased ALT, nausea, and diarrhea ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bristol Myers Squibb at 1-800-721-5072 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Multiple Myeloma (MM) In Trial 1, data were evaluated from 219 patients (safety population) who received treatment with POMALYST + Low-dose Dex (112 patients) or POMALYST alone (107 patients). Median number of treatment cycles was 5. Sixty-seven percent of patients in the study had a dose interruption of either drug due to adverse reactions. Forty-two percent of patients in the study had a dose reduction of either drug due to adverse reactions. The discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 11%. In Trial 2, data were evaluated from 450 patients (safety population) who received treatment with POMALYST + Low-dose Dex (300 patients) or High-dose Dexamethasone (High-dose Dex) (150 patients). The median number of treatment cycles for the POMALYST + Low-dose Dex arm was 5. In the POMALYST + Low-dose Dex arm, 67% of patients had a dose interruption of POMALYST, the median time to the first dose interruption of POMALYST was 4.1 weeks. Twenty-seven percent of patients had a dose reduction of POMALYST, the median time to the first dose reduction of POMALYST was 4.5 weeks. Eight percent of patients discontinued POMALYST due to adverse reactions. Tables 3 and 4 summarize the adverse reactions reported in Trials 1 and 2, respectively. Table 3: Adverse Reactions in Any POMALYST Treatment Arm in Trial 1* * Regardless of attribution of relatedness to POMALYST. a POMALYST alone arm includes all patients randomized to the POMALYST alone arm who took study drug; 61 of the 107 patients had dexamethasone added during the treatment period. b Serious adverse reactions were reported in at least 2 patients in any POMALYST treatment arm. Data cutoff: 01 March 2013 All Adverse Reactions ≥10% in Either Arm Grade 3 or 4 ≥5% in Either Arm Body System Adverse Reaction POMALYST a (N=107) POMALYST + Low-dose Dex (N=112) POMALYST (N=107) POMALYST + Low-dose Dex (N=112) Number (%) of patients with at least one adverse reaction 107 (100) 112 (100) 98 (92) 102 (91) Blood and lymphatic system disorders Neutropenia b 57 (53) 55 (49) 51 (48) 46 (41) Anemia b 41 (38) 47 (42) 25 (23) 24 (21) Thrombocytopenia b...

    • Drug Interactions

    7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Strong CYP1A2 Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of strong CYP1A2 inhibitors. If concomitant use of a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor is unavoidable, reduce POMALYST dose to 2 mg ( 2.6 , 7.1 , 12.3 ). 7.1 Drugs That Affect Pomalidomide Plasma Concentrations CYP1A2 inhibitors : In healthy subjects, co-administration of fluvoxamine, a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor, increased C max and AUC of pomalidomide by 24% and 125% respectively [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Increased pomalidomide exposure may increase the risk of exposure related toxicities. Avoid co-administration of strong CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g. ciprofloxacin and fluvoxamine) . If co-administration is unavoidable, reduce the POMALYST dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ] .

    Contraindications

    4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Pregnancy ( 4.1 )
  • Hypersensitivity ( 4.2 ) 4.1 Pregnancy POMALYST is contraindicated in females who are pregnant. POMALYST 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 POMALYST is 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) ] .

    • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

    8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in females exposed to POMALYST during pregnancy as well as female partners of male patients who are exposed to POMALYST. This registry is also used to understand the root cause for the pregnancy. Report any suspected fetal exposure to POMALYST to the FDA via the MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 and also to the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436. Risk Summary Based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] and findings from animal studies, POMALYST can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated during pregnancy [see Contraindications (4) , and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . POMALYST is a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a human teratogen, inducing a high frequency of severe and life-threatening birth defects such as amelia (absence of limbs), phocomelia (short limbs), hypoplasticity of the bones, absence of bones, external ear abnormalities (including anotia, micropinna, small or absent external auditory canals), facial palsy, eye abnormalities (anophthalmos, microphthalmos), and congenital heart defects. Alimentary tract, urinary tract, and genital malformations have also been documented, and mortality at or shortly after birth has been reported in about 40% of infants. Pomalidomide was teratogenic in both rats and rabbits when administered during the period of organogenesis. Pomalidomide crossed the placenta after administration to pregnant rabbits (see Data ) . If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential risk to a fetus. If pregnancy does occur during treatment, immediately discontinue the drug. Under these conditions, refer patient to an obstetrician/gynecologist experienced in reproductive toxicity for further evaluation and counseling. Report any suspected fetal exposure to...

    Overdosage

    10 OVERDOSAGE Hemodialysis can remove pomalidomide from circulation.

    How Supplied

    16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Dark blue opaque cap and yellow opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap in white ink and "1 mg" on the body in black ink 1 mg bottles of 21 (NDC 59572-501-21) 1 mg bottles of 100 (NDC 59572-501-00) Dark blue opaque cap and orange opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "2 mg" on the body in white ink 2 mg bottles of 21 (NDC 59572-502-21) 2 mg bottles of 100 (NDC 59572-502-00) Dark blue opaque cap and green opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "3 mg" on the body in white ink 3 mg bottles of 21 (NDC 59572-503-21) 3 mg bottles of 100 (NDC 59572-503-00) Dark blue opaque cap and blue opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "4 mg" on the body in white ink 4 mg bottles of 21 (NDC 59572-504-21) 4 mg bottles of 100 (NDC 59572-504-00) Store at 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Care should be exercised in handling of POMALYST. Do not open or crush POMALYST capsules. If powder from POMALYST contacts the skin, wash the skin immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. If POMALYST contacts the mucous membranes, flush thoroughly with water. Follow procedures for proper handling and disposal of hazardous drugs. 1

    About This Information

    This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

    What are side effects?

    Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

    What are drug interactions?

    Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.