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Pomalyst

pomalidomide · Capsule

Prescription NDA TE AB RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Pomalyst
Generic name
pomalidomide
Dosage form
Capsule
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Celgene Corporation
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
4
NDC product codes
4
Packages
8
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Pomalidomide 1 mg/1 1369718 View
Pomalidomide 2 mg/1 1369718 View
Pomalidomide 3 mg/1 1369718 View
Pomalidomide 4 mg/1 1369718 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Capsule
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
12

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Thalidomide Analog [EPC] EPC 4 members — no class page

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
204026
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
February 8, 2013
Sponsor
BRISTOL
Products on application
4
Submissions recorded
27
Products approved under application 204026.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
204026-001 POMALYST CAPSULE POMALIDOMIDE Prescription AB RLD
204026-002 POMALYST CAPSULE POMALIDOMIDE Prescription AB RLD
204026-003 POMALYST CAPSULE POMALIDOMIDE Prescription AB RLD
204026-004 POMALYST CAPSULE POMALIDOMIDE Prescription AB RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Patents and exclusivity

Source: Orange Book
Patent listings submitted under 21 U.S.C. 355(b)(1) and (c)(2).
Patent Expires Product Substance Use code Submitted
10555939 May 19, 2030 001 No February 21, 2020
9993467 May 19, 2030 001 No July 11, 2018
10555939 May 19, 2030 002 No February 21, 2020
9993467 May 19, 2030 002 No July 11, 2018
9993467 May 19, 2030 003 No July 11, 2018
10555939 May 19, 2030 003 No February 21, 2020
10555939 May 19, 2030 004 No February 21, 2020
9993467 May 19, 2030 004 No July 11, 2018
9993467*PED November 19, 2030 001 No —
10555939*PED November 19, 2030 001 No —
9993467*PED November 19, 2030 002 No —
10555939*PED November 19, 2030 002 No —
9993467*PED November 19, 2030 003 No —
10555939*PED November 19, 2030 003 No —
9993467*PED November 19, 2030 004 No —
10555939*PED November 19, 2030 004 No —
8828427 June 21, 2031 001 Yes September 29, 2014
8828427 June 21, 2031 002 Yes September 29, 2014
8828427 June 21, 2031 003 Yes September 29, 2014
8828427 June 21, 2031 004 Yes September 29, 2014
8828427*PED December 21, 2031 001 No —
8828427*PED December 21, 2031 002 No —
8828427*PED December 21, 2031 003 No —
8828427*PED December 21, 2031 004 No —
Regulatory exclusivity periods.
Code Expires Product
ODE-296 May 14, 2027 001
ODE-297 May 14, 2027 001
ODE-296 May 14, 2027 002
ODE-297 May 14, 2027 002
ODE-296 May 14, 2027 003
ODE-297 May 14, 2027 003
ODE-296 May 14, 2027 004
ODE-297 May 14, 2027 004
PED November 14, 2027 001
PED November 14, 2027 001
PED November 14, 2027 002
PED November 14, 2027 002
PED November 14, 2027 003
PED November 14, 2027 003
PED November 14, 2027 004
PED November 14, 2027 004

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 204026.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 35 REMS Approved April 27, 2026 N/A
Supplement 34 REMS Approved February 26, 2025 N/A
Supplement 31 REMS Approved March 24, 2023 N/A
Supplement 29 REMS Approved August 5, 2021 N/A
Supplement 28 Labeling Approved December 3, 2020 Standard
Supplement 27 Efficacy Approved November 20, 2020 Priority
Supplement 24 Efficacy Approved May 14, 2020 Priority
Supplement 23 Efficacy Approved May 14, 2020 Priority
Supplement 21 Labeling Approved October 30, 2019 Standard
Supplement 17 Labeling Approved March 20, 2018 Standard
Supplement 19 Labeling Approved December 29, 2017 Standard
Supplement 18 Labeling Approved November 30, 2017 Standard
Supplement 16 REMS Approved June 27, 2017 N/A
Supplement 14 Labeling Approved June 30, 2016 Standard
Supplement 12 Labeling Approved June 30, 2016 Standard
Supplement 13 REMS Approved April 22, 2016 N/A
Supplement 11 REMS Approved December 1, 2015 N/A
Supplement 10 REMS Approved October 27, 2015 N/A
Supplement 9 REMS Approved September 14, 2015 N/A
Supplement 8 Labeling Approved April 23, 2015 Standard
Supplement 6 Efficacy Approved April 23, 2015 Standard
Supplement 5 Labeling Approved April 23, 2015 Unknown
Supplement 4 REMS Approved September 12, 2014 N/A
Supplement 3 Labeling Approved March 13, 2014 Standard
Supplement 2 REMS Approved November 15, 2013 N/A
Supplement 1 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 3, 2013 Standard
Original application 1 Type 1 - New Molecular Entity Approved February 8, 2013 Priority

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · May 1, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · February 27, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · February 27, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · February 27, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · March 27, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · March 27, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · August 9, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · December 7, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · December 3, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · November 25, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · November 25, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · May 15, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · May 15, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · May 15, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · May 15, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · October 31, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · October 31, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · March 28, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · March 23, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · January 2, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · December 29, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · December 1, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · December 1, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · June 29, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · July 5, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · July 5, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · July 1, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · July 1, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · April 25, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · December 2, 2015

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250226). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20250226

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

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) ].

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Boxed Warning 2/2025 Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 ) 2/2025

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

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

openFDA Drug Labeling

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 Initiate a new cycle of POMALYST in patients with KS when the neutrophil count is at least 1000 per mcL and the platelet count is at least 75,000 per mcL. Dose modifications for POMALYST for hematologic adverse reactions in patients with KS are summarized in Table 2. Table 2: Dosage Modifications for POMALYST for Hematologic Adverse Reactions in KS Adverse Reaction Severity Dosage Modification * Permanently discontinue POMALYST if unable to tolerate 1mg once daily. ANC= absolute neutrophil count Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] ANC 500 to less than 1,000 per mcL Day 1 of cycle • Withhold POMALYST until ANC is greater than or equal to 1,000 per mcL. • Resume POMALYST at the same dose. During cycle • Continue POMALYST at the current dose. ANC less than 500 per mcL • Withhold POMALYST until ANC is greater than or equal to 1,000 per mcL. • Resume POMALYST at the same dose. Febrile Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] ANC less than 1,000 per mcL and single temperature …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS • Capsules:1 mg, 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 • 2 mg, dark blue opaque cap and orange opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "2 mg" on the body in white ink • 3 mg, dark blue opaque cap and green opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "3 mg" on the body in white ink • 4 mg, dark blue opaque cap and blue opaque body, imprinted "POML" on the cap and "4 mg" on the body in white ink Capsules: 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

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) ] .

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Increased Mortality: Observed in patients with MM when pembrolizumab was added to dexamethasone and a thalidomide analogue ( 5.4 ). • Hematologic Toxicity: Neutropenia was the most frequently reported Grade 3/4 adverse event. Monitor patients for hematologic toxicities, especially neutropenia ( 5.5 ). • Hepatotoxicity: Hepatic failure including fatalities; monitor liver function tests monthly ( 5.6 ). • Severe Cutaneous Reactions: Discontinue POMALYST for severe reactions ( 5.7 ). • Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): Monitor patients at risk of TLS (i.e., those with high tumor burden) and take appropriate precautions ( 5.11 ). • Hypersensitivity: Monitor patients for potential hypersensitivity. Discontinue POMALYST for angioedema and anaphylaxis ( 5.12 ). 5.1 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity POMALYST is a thalidomide analogue and is contraindicated for use during pregnancy. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe birth defects or embryo-fetal death [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . POMALYST is only available through PS-Pomalidomide REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Females of Reproductive Potential Females of reproductive potential must avoid pregnancy for at least 4 weeks before beginning POMALYST therapy, during therapy, during dose interruptions and for at least 4 weeks after completing therapy. Females must commit either to abstain continuously from heterosexual sexual intercourse or to use 2 methods of reliable birth control, beginning 4 weeks prior to initiating treatment with POMALYST, during therapy, during dose interruptions, and continuing for 4 weeks following discontinuation of POMALYST therapy. Two negative pregnancy tests must be obtained prior to initiating therapy. The first test should be performed within 10-14 days and the second test within 24 hours prior to prescribing POMALYST therapy and then weekly during the first month, then monthly thereafter in females with regular menstrual cycles, or every 2 weeks in females with irregular menstrual cycles [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ]. Males Pomalidomide is present in the semen of patients receiving the drug. Therefore, males must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with females of reproductive potential while taking POMALYST and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuing POMALYST, even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy. Male patients taking POMALYST must not donate sperm [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] . Blood Donation Patients must not donate blood during treatment with POMALYST and for 4 weeks following discontinuation of the drug because the blood might be given to a pregnant female patient whose fetus must not be exposed to POMALYST. 5.2 PS-Pomalidomide REMS Because of the embryo-fetal risk [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] , POMALYST is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), "PS-Pomalidomide REMS" . Required components of PS-Pomalidomide REMS include the following: • Prescribers must be certified with PS-Pomalidomide REMS by enrolling and complying with the REMS requirements. • Patients must sign a Patient-Physician Agreement Form and comply with the REMS requirements. In particular, female patients of reproductive potential who are not pregnant must comply with the pregnancy testing and contraception requirements [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] and males must comply with contraception requirements [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] . • Pharmacies must be certified with PS-Pomalidomide REMS , must only dispense to patients who are authorized to receive POMALYST and comply with REMS requirements. Further information about PS-Pomalidomide REMS is available at www.PS-PomalidomideREMS.com or by telephone at 1-888-423-5436. 5.3 Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism Venous thromboembolic events (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboembolic events (myocardi …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

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 28 …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

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) ] .

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed ( 8.2 ). 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 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. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. The estimated background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2%-4% and of miscarriage is 15%-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Animal Data Pomalidomide was teratogenic in both rats and rabbits in the embryo-fetal developmental studies when administered during the period of organogenesis. In rats, pomalidomide was administered orally to pregnant animals at doses of 25 to 1000 mg/kg/day. Malformations or absence of urinary bladder, absence of thyroid gland, and fusion and misalignment of lumbar and thoracic vertebral elements (vertebral, central, and/or neural arches) were observed at all dose levels. There was no maternal toxicity observed in this study. The lowest dose in rats resulted in an exposure (AUC) approximately 85-fold of the human exposure at the recommended dose of 4 mg/day. Other embryo-fetal toxicities included increased resorptions leading to decreased number of viable fetuses. In rabbits, pomalidomide was administered orally to pregnant animals at doses of 10 to 250 mg/kg/day. Increased cardiac malformations such as interventricular septal defect were seen at all doses with significant increases at 250 mg/kg/day. Additional malformations observed at 250 mg/kg/day included anomalies in limbs (flexed and/or rotated fore- and/or hindlimbs, unattached or absent digit) and associated skeletal malformations (not ossified metacarpal, misaligned phalanx and metacarpal, absent digit, not ossified phalanx, and short not ossified or bent tibia), moderate dilation of the lateral ventricle in the brain, abnormal placement of the right subclavian artery, absent intermediate lobe in the lungs, low-set kidney, altered liver morph …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Pomalidomide is an analogue of thalidomide with immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic, and antineoplastic properties. Cellular activities of pomalidomide are mediated through its target cereblon, a component of a cullin ring E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme complex. In vitro, in the presence of drug, substrate proteins (including Aiolos and Ikaros) are targeted for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation leading to direct cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects. In in vitro cellular assays, pomalidomide inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of hematopoietic tumor cells. Additionally, pomalidomide inhibited the proliferation of lenalidomide-resistant multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines and synergized with dexamethasone in both lenalidomide-sensitive and lenalidomide-resistant cell lines to induce tumor cell apoptosis. Pomalidomide enhanced T cell- and natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immunity and inhibited production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-6) by monocytes. Pomalidomide demonstrated anti-angiogenic activity in a mouse tumor model and in the in vitro umbilical cord model.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

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

10 OVERDOSAGE Hemodialysis can remove pomalidomide from circulation.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

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

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
102,194
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: POMALIDOMIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
59572-501-00 59572-501 Celgene Corporation 100 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (59572-501-00) February 18, 2013
59572-501-21 59572-501 Celgene Corporation 21 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (59572-501-21) February 18, 2013
59572-502-00 59572-502 Celgene Corporation 100 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (59572-502-00) February 18, 2013
59572-502-21 59572-502 Celgene Corporation 21 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (59572-502-21) February 18, 2013
59572-503-00 59572-503 Celgene Corporation 100 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (59572-503-00) February 18, 2013
59572-503-21 59572-503 Celgene Corporation 21 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (59572-503-21) February 18, 2013
59572-504-00 59572-504 Celgene Corporation 100 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (59572-504-00) February 18, 2013
59572-504-21 59572-504 Celgene Corporation 21 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (59572-504-21) February 18, 2013
59572-501 59572-501 Celgene Corporation — February 18, 2013
59572-502 59572-502 Celgene Corporation — February 18, 2013
59572-503 59572-503 Celgene Corporation — February 18, 2013
59572-504 59572-504 Celgene Corporation — February 18, 2013

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.