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Pomalyst
pomalidomide · Capsule
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Thalidomide Analog [EPC] | EPC | 4 members — no class page |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| 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 BookWhat 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 | 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 | — |
| 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| 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 LabelingReproduced 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.
Boxed Warning
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNING: 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 LabelingBoxed Warning 2/2025 Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 ) 2/2025
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 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 Labeling2 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 Labeling3 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 Labeling4 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 Labeling5 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 Labeling6 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 Labeling7 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 Labeling8 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 Labeling12.1 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 Labeling11 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
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Hemodialysis can remove pomalidomide from circulation.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 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 FAERSAttributed 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| 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
| 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.