What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that starts in plasma cells, which are made in the bone marrow, this blood cells produce antibodies to prevent the body against infections.
When plasma cells become abnormal it begins to multiply uncontrollably, producing more and more abnormal plasma cells. This abnormal plasma cell located in many bones is what we call multiple myeloma.
Thalidomide has become a drug of first choice for multiple myeloma treatment.

Thalidomide is FDA approved?
Thalidomide is approved since 1998 in treatment related with Leprosy reaction type II and since 2006 in treatment for Multiple Myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer.
Thalidomide is being used worldwide for a wide range of diseases

Is thalidomide effective in treating other indications than the ones approved by FDA?
Aside from Multiple Myeloma and Leprosy Reaction Type II, thalidomide helps in some dermatologic disorders such as aphthous stomatis, Lupus Erythematosus, Prurigo Nodularis and Actinic and Behçet's disease. Thalidomide inhibits the growth of Tumor Necrosis Alpha Factor and helps to improve the condition of the patient when been infected by HIV among others.

Do I have to take some precautions before taking Talizer?
Your doctor will advice you:
To take a pregnancy test for woman
Sexual abstinence for man of the use of condom
To check your blood pressure
To pay attention since thalidomide may pass into breast milk while breast-feeding. Women should not breast-feed during treatment with Talizer.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other drug to avoid any interaction.

How Talizer needs to be taken?
Talizer is a drug that needs to be prescribed by a doctor. Dose will depend on the treatment and the conditions of the patient. It will have to be interrupted, increased or lowered if any side effect according to the doctor recommendations.
A pregnancy test is recommended as well as to read the informed consent before starting your treatment.
Thalidomide must be kept out of children’s reach and away from heat. When finished the treatment if some tablets are left, do not share them with anyone else.

How does Talizer work?
First, thalidomide affects the functions of the immune system since it is an immunomodulating agent.

It slows or stops the angiogenesis, which is the way in which tumors growth or survive. It has direct effect in cancer cells themselves.  

Second, it helps block the blood supply of cancerous tumors. Cancer cells absorb oxygen and nutrients from blood to survive and multiply. Some tumors send chemicals into the body that can trigger the formation of new blood vessels. As more blood vessels grow into the tumor, it can become larger. It is through that one way thalidomide may help to limit tumor growth within tumors.

Can I have any side effect while taking Talizer?
You may not have any side effect, but there is a possibility you have any of the next side effects. If this happens, please contact your doctor. He will advice you.
Please be aware that teratogenic effect is present when taking thalidomide.
Phocomelia
Peripheral Neuritis
Dizziness
Fast or slow heart beating
Drowsiness
Rash
Tiredness
Low blood pressure
Nausea
Headaches
Constipation
Dry Skin
Low white blood cell count

Does thalidomide interacts with alcohol?
Yes, you must suspend drinking alcohol during treatment.

Lenalidomide avoids Phocomelia?
No, this drug presents the same side effects and it is similar chemically to thalidomide, but thalidomide is most used worldwide. Pricewise it presents a huge gap between both drugs. 

Can I donate blood while taking Thalidomide treatment?
No, you must not donate blood during treatment.

If I am a men having sex with a women of child-bearing potential can I be able to take thalidomide treatment?
You must wait at least 4 weeks after your treatment has been stopped before having sex with women of child-bearing potential. You must use condom to protect your partner of getting pregnant since thalidomide is present in semen.

If I am a pregnant woman or if I am trying to get pregnant should I be able to take thalidomide treatment?
You must wait getting pregnant. Sexual abstinence is recommended or the use of 2 types of highly effective contraceptive methods while been treated with thalidomide. One month at least before starting your treatment and one month after stopping your treatment.

You must inform your doctor is your menstrual period stops or is missed or become irregular and, or for any reason you suspect been pregnant.  

You must inform immediately your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Talizer treatment or right after stopping your treatment