INTRODUCTION
THALIX contains Thalidomide belongs to a group of medicines called immunomodulatory agents which affect how your immune system works. It is used with two other medicines called ‘melphalan’ and ‘prednisone’ to treat adults with a type of cancer called multiple myeloma. This medicine is used in people who have recently been diagnosed and who have not been prescribed another medicine for their multiple myeloma before and who are aged 65 years and over or aged less than 65 years who cannot be treated with high dose chemotherapy, which can be very difficult for the body to handle.
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer which affects a certain type of the white blood cell, called plasma cell. These cells collect in bone marrow and divide out of control. This can damage the bone and kidneys. Multiple myeloma generally cannot be cured. However, the symptoms can be greatly reduced or disappear for a period. This is called a ‘remission’.
Always take THALIX exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not chew, break or crush this medicine. Do not drive or use any tools or machines if you feel that the ability is affected by this medicine. Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney disease, heart disease, or pancreas problems. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking this medicine.
USES OF THALIX
- Used in combination with melphalan and prednisone to treat adults with a type of cancer called multiple myeloma
HOW THALIX WORKS
It works by helping the body’s immune system and directly attacking the cancer. It works in a number of different ways by stopping the cancer cells developing, stopping the blood vessels growing in the cancer and by stimulating part of the immune system to attack the cancer cells.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Always take THALIX exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not chew, break or crush this medicine.
Dosage
SIDE EFFECTS OF THALIX
SERIOUS
- Serious skin reactions such as rashes with or without blisters, skin irritation, sores or swelling in the mouth, throat, eyes, nose and around the genitals, oedema and fever and flulike symptoms may occur
- Numbness, tingling sensation, abnormal coordination or pain in your hands and feet
- Sudden pain in chest or difficult breathing
- Fever, sore throat, cough, mouth ulcers, chills or any other symptoms of infection
- Feeling sweaty and breathless, feeling sick or vomiting, chest pain spreading to the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach
COMMON
- Constipation
- Feeling dizzy
- Nausea, vomiting
- Sleepiness, feeling tired
- Blurred vision
- Depression, confusion, mood changes, anxiety
- Shaking (tremor)
- Decreased or abnormal sensation (dysaesthesia)
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Low blood cell counts
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea and vomiting:
Keep try taking this medicine with, or just after, a meal or snack and stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food.
Skin redness:
Avoid hot showers or bath because the hot water can irritate the skin. Moisturizers can be used regular basis to soothe and hydrate the affected area.
Constipation:
Eat fiber rich foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
THALIX should be used with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
BREASTFEEDING
THALIX is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or use any tools or machines if you feel that the ability is affected by this medicine.
ALCOHOL
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine.
KIDNEY
THALIX should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.
LIVER
THALIX should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.
ALLERGY
Do not take if you are allergic to this medicine.
HEART DISEASE
THALIX should be taken with caution in patients with heart disease. Consult your doctor for advice.
INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following:
- Sedatives (such as anxiolytics, hypnotics, antipsychotics, H1 antihistamines, opiate derivatives and barbiturates)
- Slow the heart rate (induce bradycardia, such as anticholinesterases and beta blockers)
- Medicines for heart problems and complications (such as digoxin), or for thinning the blood (such as warfarin)
- Neuropathic medicines
- Other treatments for cancer
- Contraceptives
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