Pomalidomide

Say it: pom-a-LID-oh-mide · Brand names: Pomalyst

Pomalidomide is a pill that helps the immune system fight multiple myeloma and slows the growth of cancer cells.

What it is

Pomalidomide is an immunomodulatory medicine, a close relative of lenalidomide and thalidomide. It helps immune cells attack cancer cells and makes it harder for myeloma cells to survive and grow.

Often used for

• multiple myeloma that has come back or stopped responding to other treatments
• Kaposi sarcoma

How you get it

Pomalidomide is a capsule you take by mouth once a day, usually for 21 days followed by 7 days off, in a 28-day cycle. It is often taken with dexamethasone and other myeloma medicines. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Low blood counts, which can raise the risk of infection, bleeding and tiredness. Your team will check your blood often.
• Feeling tired or weak. Rest and short walks can help.
• Constipation. Drink plenty of fluids and eat high fiber foods.
• Nausea or diarrhea. Eat small meals and drink plenty of fluids.
• Shortness of breath or cough. Tell your team if it is new or getting worse.
• Back pain. Gentle stretching and heat may help.
• Dizziness or confusion. Get up slowly and avoid driving if you feel this way.

Call your care team right away if you have

• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
• Pain, swelling, warmth or redness in one leg or arm, sudden shortness of breath, or chest pain, which can be signs of a blood clot
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
• Swelling of the face, lips or throat, hives, or trouble breathing
• Numbness, tingling or burning in the hands or feet that is getting worse

Before you start, tell your team

• If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• If you have had blood clots
• If you smoke, since smoking can make this medicine work less well
• If you have liver or kidney problems
• All the medicines you take, including vitamins, herbs and supplements

Good to know

• This medicine can cause severe birth defects or death of an unborn baby. You can only get it through a special safety program. People who can become pregnant need pregnancy tests and must use two forms of birth control from 4 weeks before until 4 weeks after treatment. Men must use a latex or synthetic condom during sex with a partner who is or could become pregnant, even after a vasectomy.
• It can cause low white blood cell and platelet counts. You will have blood tests often.
• It raises the risk of blood clots. Most people take a blood thinner or aspirin to help prevent clots.
• You will have blood tests to check your liver.
• Do not donate blood during treatment and for 4 weeks after. Men should not donate sperm during this time.

At home

• Take the capsule with water at about the same time each day, with or without food.
• Swallow capsules whole. Do not open, break or chew them.
• If you miss a dose, ask your care team what to do. Do not take two doses to make up for it.
• Store at room temperature, away from children. Do not share your medicine.
• Caregivers should wear gloves if they touch capsules, and anyone who is pregnant should not touch them.

Questions to ask

• What schedule should I follow?
• What should I take to prevent blood clots?
• How often will I need blood tests?
• What birth control should I use?

Part of these treatment plans

• DPd
• Isa-Pd

Side effect guides

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Low white blood cells and infection risk
• Low platelets and bleeding
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Pain

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.