How is thalidomide typically given (administered)?
Thalidomide is given orally, as a capsule and the dose depends on several factors, including the condition being treated, the particular regimen being used and the overall health of the patient. Thalidomide are typically given as a single bedtime dose. How are patients typically monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with thalidomide. Typically, blood will be drawn to check levels of blood cells and to monitor functions of some organ systems, such as the kidneys or liver. Patients may also undergo physical examinations, scans or other measures to assess side effects and response to therapy. Patients will also typically be monitored for nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) characterized by numbness, pain or tingling of the hands or feet. Female patients of childbearing age may also undergo frequent testing for pregnancy while being treated with thalidomide as this drug has been known to cause severe birth defe
