THALOMID
NowPatient helps you obtain your THALOMID prescription for free or at low-cost. Drug savings programs are suitable for individuals who are insured, don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine.
Manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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THALOMID key facts
What is THALOMID?
THALOMID is the brand name for thalidomide and is available as an oral capsule.
What dosages is THALOMID available in?
THALOMID is available as a 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg and 200 mg oral capsule.
What is THALOMID used for?
THALOMID is an immunomodulator that is used to treat:
Newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, given together with dexamethasone
Prevention and treatment of a skin reaction in leprosy (erythema nodosum leprosum)
How does THALOMID work?
We don’t completely understand how THALOMID works to treat multiple myeloma. But we do know it blocks several pathways that otherwise help cancer cells grow. When THALOMID blocks pathways like these, multiple myeloma cells can’t grow and spread as well. It also activates the immune system to attack and kill cancer cells.
In addition, THALOMID blocks the activity of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which are inflammatory signals made by the body. TNF-alpha causes inflammation, which worsens skin conditions like erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) in leprosy. When THALOMID blocks TNF-alpha, the skin lesions get better.
How do I take THALOMID?
THALOMID is dosed as follows:
Multiple myeloma
The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth once a day at bedtime, taken together with dexamethasone as part of a 28-day treatment cycle.
Erythema nodosum leprosum
Your provider will determine your dose based on body weight. The typical dose ranges from 100 mg to 300 mg by mouth once a day, ideally at bedtime. Usually, you’ll continue treatment until symptoms go away (which can take at least 2 weeks). Once appropriate, your provider will lower your dose slowly over 2 to 4 weeks to help you safely stop this medication.
Is it safe for me to take THALOMID?
THALOMID is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you are pregnant.
THALOMID Common Side Effects
Common side effects of THALOMID:
- Tiredness
- Lower calcium levels in blood
- Pain
- Swelling
- Constipation
- Numbness and tingling
- Trouble breathing
- Muscle weakness
- Lower white blood cell counts
- Rash
- Confusion
- Lower appetite
- Nausea
- Feeling nervous or anxious
- Tremor/shaking
THALOMID Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with THALOMID. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Blood clots in the lung, arm, or leg: trouble breathing, chest pain, swelling or pain in the arm or leg
Heart attack: Chest pain that spreads to the stomach or back, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting
Stroke: headache, confusion, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, vision problems, trouble speaking
Serious skin reactions: painful blisters, skin wounds, peeling skin, fever, sore throat, body aches
Low white blood cell counts: fever, signs of infection such as cough, body aches, or chills
Serious bleeds: bleeding that’s difficult to stop, bruises that don’t go away, nausea, vomiting, pain, pale and clammy skin
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on THALOMID
The following medications may interact with THALOMID:
- Use caution if other drugs which have sedative and hypnotic properties, slow cardiac
- conduction and/or cause peripheral neuropathy must be used.
- It is not known whether concomitant use of hormonal contraceptives further
- increases the risk of thromboembolism with THALOMID.
- Patients taking concomitant therapies such as erythropoietin stimulating agents or
- estrogen containing therapies may have an increased risk of thromboembolism.
Who makes THALOMID?
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Is THALOMID safe in pregnancy?
If THALOMID is taken during pregnancy, it can cause severe birth defects
or embryo-fetal death. THALOMID should never be used by females who
are pregnant or who could be pregnant while taking the drug. Even a single
dose [1 capsule (regardless of strength)] taken by a pregnant woman
during her pregnancy can cause severe birth defects.
Pregnancy must be excluded before start of treatment. Prevent pregnancy
thereafter by the use of two reliable methods of contraception.
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effects in the USDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my THALOMID prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your THALOMID prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient THALOMID savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient THALOMID savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
| Rx Advantage Card* for THALOMID | Canadian Prescription Savings* for THALOMID | THALOMID Drug Coupon* | THALOMID Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of THALOMID?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for THALOMID | Canadian Prescription Savings* for THALOMID | THALOMID Drug Coupon* | THALOMID Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the THALOMID savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the THALOMID drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for THALOMID, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the THALOMID prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, THALOMID is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed THALOMID for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the THALOMID prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the THALOMID prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for THALOMID
If you are having trouble paying for your THALOMID medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for THALOMID you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- THALOMID is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
- You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
- You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers THALOMID
- If THALOMID is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for THALOMID
If you are having trouble paying for your THALOMID medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for THALOMID you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in and are being treated in the United States
- You are insured and your plan covers THALOMID
- If THALOMID is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for THALOMID
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your THALOMID treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for THALOMID you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for THALOMID
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
- You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
- Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.
You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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