Thalidomide is only available under a restricted distribution pregnancy prevention risk management program. You, your doctor and your pharmacist must be registered and comply with conditions of the pregnancy prevention risk management program.
Thalidomide can cause major birth defects to an unborn baby. Thalidomide must not be taken if you are pregnant. Contraception must be used while you are being treated with thalidomide.
- If you are a male patient and your female partner is of child-bearing potential you must use condoms while taking thalidomide and for four weeks after finishing thalidomide treatment.
- If you are a woman of child-bearing potential (a patient or a partner of a patient) you must use at least one effective method of contraception during treatment with thalidomide. You should start using contraception four weeks before taking thalidomide and continue for four weeks after finishing thalidomide treatment. It is important that you discuss appropriate contraception with your doctor.
It is preferable that you use at least one additional effective method of contraception (diaphragm, cervical cap or condom by your male partner). If you are unsure please ask your doctor or nurse for advice.
If you have sexual contact without contraception even once, you must stop taking thalidomide and tell your doctor immediately. If you are a woman who is still able to have children and you miss a period during treatment, you must stop taking thalidomide and tell your doctor immediately. If you are a male patient and your female partner is able to have children and she misses a period during your treatment you must inform your doctor immediately.