About Pomalidomide generic medicine in India
Pomalidomide, a derivative of thalidomide, is the generic name of the medicine used to treat Multiple Myeloma. Multiple Myeloma is a type of blood cancer, a form of cancer that forms in plasma cells.
In people suffering from Multiple Myeloma, cancerous plasma cells produce abnormal proteins causing complications, most importantly, making the patients lose the ability to fight infections.
Pomalidomide is specifically given to patients with Multiple Myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies, including Lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and in whom the disease is relapsed or refracted even after that.
A patient can only buy Pomalidomide in India against a valid prescription of a healthcare professional like haematologist or oncologist.
Pomalidomide brands in India
In India, many companies have introduced Pomalidomide and Pomalid is one such Pomalidomide brand launched in India by Natco Pharma.
Natco Pharma launched Pomalid in strengths of 1 mg, 2 mg, and 4 mg, pricing them at INR 5000, INR 10000, and INR 20000, respectively, during the launch, claiming the prices are almost 98% discounted from what it is sold to patients in the USA.
Please note: prices may be change as per distributor and government notification.
Some of the other Pomalidomide brands in India are Pomide by Hetero Labs, Pomalong by Cipla limited, Bdpoma by BDR Pharmaceuticals.
Pomalidomide price in India
Pomalidomide price in India varies from brand to brand. The most popular among all of these and the brand that seems to be the only one that’s available in the market, Pomalid, is selling cheaper than the International price.
Pomalidomide 4 mg price in India
Pomalidomide price in India varies not only according to the brand but also according to strength. The strength of the Pomalidomide to be taken is decided by your doctor. In most cases, 4 mg capsules cost almost double the 2 mg capsules.
Frequently asked questions
What are the side effects of Pomalidomide?
Though most of the side effects caused by Pomalidomide don’t require medical attention as it is just a sign of your body adjusting to the medicine, if the side effects persist, then that’s a reason to worry.
So, the most common side effects of Pomalidomide are:
Fatigue and Weakness
Decrease in White Blood Cells
Pain in the bones
Muscle cramps
Lack of red blood cells, also known as Anaemia
Constipation
Nausea
Diarrhoea and cramps in the stomach
Upper respiratory infections causing breathing problems
Back pain and muscle pain
Fever
Decreased appetite
How long can you take Pomalidomide?
One complete cycle of Pomalidomide is of 28 days, of which one must take medicine orally for 21 days and stop for seven days.
Post 28 days, the treatment should be continued based on the doctor’s advice.
Does Pomalidomide cause hair loss?
No, Pomalidomide isn’t known to cause any kind of hair loss.
How much does Pomalidomide cost?
Pomalidomide price varies from brand to brand. The cost of 2 mg Pomalidomide can range anywhere from INR 6400 to INR 9000 in India.
How is Pomalidomide administered?
Pomalidomide is administered to people suffering from Multiple Myeloma. Pomalidomide is specifically given to patients with Multiple Myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies, including Lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and in whom the disease is relapsed or refracted even after that.
Pomalidomide should be administered on empty stomach, either 2 hours before the meal or two hours after the meal, as advised by your doctor. If you miss any dose, you can still take it, if it is 12 hours within the usual dosage time.
How to take Pomalidomide?
One must take this medication orally as directed by your doctor.
How effective is Pomalidomide?
Pomalidomide is an effective option and acted quite effectively with people in which Multiple Melonamy is relapsed or refractory, as found in various studies conducted across the globe.
Is Pomalidomide a chemotherapy drug?
Yes, Pomalidomide is a Chemotherapy drug used to treat Multiple Melonamy, a type of blood cancer.
Is Pomalidomide generic?
Yes, Pomalidomide is the generic name for the drug used to treat Multiple Melonamy, a type of blood cancer.
What is the difference between Pomalidomide and Lenalidomide?
While both Pomalidomide and Lenalidomide are used in the treatment of Multiple Melonamy, Lenalidomide is also used in the treatment of adult patients with Multiple Melonamy as maintenance following auto HCST.
While Pomalidomide is administered under 4 mg, Lenalidomide can go till 25 mg.
Lenalid Lenalidomide brand also available in India.