pomalidomide

pomalidomide

Pomalyst

Indications

Action

Pharmacokinetics

Time/action profile

Contraindications/Precautions

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Central nervous system

• confusion (most frequent)
• dizziness (most frequent)
• insomnia (most frequent)
• fatigue
• weakness

Respiratory

• dyspnea (most frequent)

Cardiovascular

• deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (life-threatening)
• peripheral edema (most frequent)

Gastrointestinal

• ↓ appetite (most frequent)
• constipation (most frequent)
• diarrhea (most frequent)
• nausea (most frequent)
• vomiting (most frequent)

Genitourinary

• renal failure

Dermatologic

• dry skin (most frequent)
• hyperhidrosis (most frequent)
• night sweats (most frequent)
• pruritus (most frequent)
• rash (most frequent)

Endocrinologic

• hyperglycemia (most frequent)

Fluid and Electrolyte

• hypercalcemia (most frequent)
• hypocalcemia (most frequent)
• hypokalemia (most frequent)
• hyponatremia (most frequent)

Hematologic

• anemia
• neutropenia
• thrombocytopenia (life-threatening)
• leukopenia (most frequent)
• lymphopenia (most frequent)

Musculoskeletal

• arthralgia (most frequent)
• back pain (most frequent)
• bone pain (most frequent)
• muscle spasms (most frequent)
• muscle weakness (most frequent)
• musculoskeletal pain (most frequent)
• pain in extremity (most frequent)

Neurologic

• neuropathy
• tremor

Miscellaneous

• infection
• malignancy
• fever (most frequent)
• hypersensitivity reactions (most frequent)
• chills

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

Route/Dosage

Availability

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

• Assess pregnancy status prior to therapy. Effective contraception must be used for at least 4 wks prior to initiating therapy, during therapy, during dose interruptions, and for 4 wks following discontinuation of therapy. Pregnancy tests must be done within 10–14 days and within 24 hrs of starting therapy. Once treatment has started pregnancy tests should occur weekly during first 4 wks of use, then every 4 wks in females with a regular menstrual cycle and every 2 wks in females with an irregular cycle. Pomalidomide must be discontinued if pregnancy is suspected or confirmed.
• Assess for signs of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary edema (dyspnea, chest pain, arm or leg swelling) periodically during therapy). Prophylactic anticoagulation may be considered.
• Lab Test Considerations: Monitor CBC with differential, platelet count, hemoglobin and hematocrit weekly for first 8 wks of therapy and at least monthly thereafter. May require dose reduction.
  • May cause neutropenia. If absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥500/mcL or febrile neutropenia (fever ≥38.5° and ANC <1000/mcL interrupt pomalidomide therapy and follow CBC weekly. If ANC returns to ≥500/mcL resume pomalidomide at 3 mg/day. For each subsequent drop <500/mcL, interrupt therapy and resume at 1 mg/day less than the previous dose when ANC returns to ≥500/mcL.
  • May cause thrombocytopenia. If platelets fall to <25,000/mcL interrupt pomalidomide therapy and follow CBC weekly. When platelets return to >50,000/mcL, resume at 3 mg/day. For each subsequent drop <25000/mcL, interrupt therapy and resume at 1 mg/day less than the previous dose when platelet count returns to ≥50,000/mcL.
  • May cause anemia, leukopenia, lymphopenia.
  • May cause hyperglycemia, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcamia, and hypercalcemia.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Implementation

• Pomalidomide is only available through POMALYST REMS program. Prescribers and pharmacies must be certified. Patients must sign a Patient-Prescriber form and comply with REMS requirements. Female patients who are not pregnant must comply with pregnancy testing and contraception requirements and males must comply with contraception requirements.
• Oral: Administer with water on an empty stomach, at least 2 hrs before and 2 hrs after meals. Swallow capsule whole; do not open, break, or chew.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to take pomalidomide as directed daily at the same time each day. Missed doses may be taken up to 12 hrs after the time it would be normally be taken. If more than 12 hrs, skip dose and take regularly scheduled dose the next day; do not double doses.
• Inform female patients that they must use one highly effective method (IUD, hormonal contraceptive, tubal ligation, partner's vasectomy) and one additional method (latex or synthetic condom, diaphragm, cervical cap) for at least 4 wks before, during therapy and interruptions of therapy, and for 4 wks following discontinuation of therapy.
• Male patients receiving pomalidomide must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any contact with females with child-bearing potential, even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy.
• Caution patient not to share pomalidomide with anyone, even someone who has similar symptoms.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional if shortness of breath, chest pain, or arm or leg swelling occur.
• May cause dizziness and confusion. Caution patient to avoid driving and other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
• Advise patient that they cannot donate blood and male patients cannot donate sperm while taking pomalidomide and for 1 month following therapy.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

• Reduction in clinical and laboratory symptoms of multiple myeloma.