BMS Multiple Myeloma High Impact

FEBRUARY 2022

Former schoolteacher talks about her journey with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer

Peri loved teaching. From elementary school to high school, she taught home economics at an alternative high school and science and language arts programs for gifted students. When she wasn't teaching, she was going on adventures with her husband, like mountain biking and kayaking. That was until she began experiencing symptoms that affected some of her favorite pastimes. It started with severe muscle weakness that would affect different parts of her body for days at a time and then mysteriously, but thankfully, subsided. Peri tried to work through it, taking over the counter pain medication to ease the discomfort. Since much of the trouble was in and around her back, Peri went to a chiropractor, who told her that she might just be out of shape. But soon, there were other, more subtle symptoms, like fatigue and frequent urination. Still, Peri pressed on, even going boating and scuba diving with her husband on vacation. Later that year, things changed for the worse. That nagging pain intensified to the point where, one morning, she had to call a neighbor to come over and help her get dressed for work. Having recently moved to a new state, Peri and her husband found a doctor who a neighbor recommended and then things became a blur. The doctor directed her to a hematologist who took a look at the blood work and sent Peri to the hospital for testing. After a week in the hospital, she and her husband were shocked when the diagnosis revealed Peri had a rare, incurable form of blood cancer called multiple myeloma.

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References 1. American Cancer Society. Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/detection-diagnosis-staging.html. Accessed: January 2022. 2. American Cancer Society. About Multiple Myeloma. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/about.html. Accessed: January 2022. 3. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2021/cancer-facts-and-figures-2021.pdf. Accessed: January 2022. 4. American Cancer Society. Risk Factors for Multiple Myeloma. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html. Accessed: January 2022. 5. Shah, U. A., & Mailankody, S. (2020). Emerging immunotherapies in multiple myeloma. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 370, m3176. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m3176

While multiple myeloma is incurable, it can still be treated. In fact, many medical advancements have led to the development of treatment options — including targeted therapies and immunotherapy. After her initial therapy, her hematologist recommended undergoing a stem cell transplant and Peri agreed. The recovery was rough for Peri, but she began to see improvement. Peri went into remission for 38 months. Peri was proactive in talking to her doctors and researching options that might help battle her disease, and she had her husband and sisters by her side as advocates. So, when she relapsed, Peri and her doctor decided it was time to start her on a treatment regimen that included Revlimid® (lenalidomide). She remained on this combination therapy for years, regularly adjusting the dosage based on adverse events to allow her to continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. However, after some time the combination therapy and dose adjustments began to be less effective.

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Revlimid is a prescription medicine, used to treat adults with multiple myeloma in combination with the medicine dexamethasone, or as maintenance treatment after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (a type of stem cell transplant that uses your own stem cells). Revlimid should not be used to treat people who have chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) unless they are participants in a controlled clinical trial. It is not known if Revlimid is safe and effective in children. Revlimid is only available through a restricted distribution program, Lenalidomide REMS. A Boxed WARNING is associated with Revlimid regarding risk to unborn babies, risk of low blood counts and blood clots. Do not take Revlimid if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or become pregnant during treatment with Revlimid. See “What is the most important information I should know about Revlimid?” Do not take Revlimid if you are allergic to lenalidomide or any of the ingredients in Revlimid. See the end of the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in Revlimid. Please see Important Safety Information below for Revlimid, as well as full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS regarding risk to unborn babies, risk of low blood counts, and blood clots, and Medication Guide.

Multiple myeloma develops in the bone marrow where it affects certain types of white blood cells known as plasma cells, a part of the body’s immune system. Even though it is considered rare, multiple myeloma is the second most common form of blood cancer in the U.S.

Pomalyst is a prescription medicine, taken along with the medicine dexamethasone, used to treat adults with multiple myeloma who have previously received at least two medicines to treat multiple myeloma, including a proteasome inhibitor and lenalidomide, and whose disease has become worse during treatment or within 60 days of finishing the last treatment. It is not known if Pomalyst is safe and effective in children. Pomalyst is only available through the Pomalyst REMS® Program. A Boxed WARNING is associated with Pomalyst regarding risk to unborn babies, risk of blood clots. Do not take Pomalyst if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or become pregnant during treatment with Pomalyst. See "What is the most important information I should know about Pomalyst?" Do not take Pomalyst if you are allergic to pomalidomide or any of the ingredients of Pomalyst. See the end of the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in Pomalyst. Please see additional Important Safety Information below for Pomalyst, as well as full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS regarding risk to unborn babies, and blood clots, and Medication Guide.

"After receiving two prior therapies, including Revlimid and a proteasome inhibitor, there was an option for me called Pomalyst® (pomalidomide)," Peri shared. Peri started on a combination of Pomalyst and dexamethasone which kept the disease at bay. She continued to enjoy her favorite outdoor activities and traveling, when possible. But like other multiple myeloma patients, Peri needed to try other therapy combinations when routine testing signaled relapse. Eventually, she moved on from Pomalyst. She's tried a few other treatments and will continue to explore other options with her healthcare team as her disease progresses. Multiple myeloma, like many other conditions, impacts each patient differently. For those diagnosed with multiple myeloma, they should work with their doctor to identify the appropriate treatment path for them like Peri did. She encourages them to establish a support team and find ways to center themselves. Peri found great support in her loving husband, family and close friends. She found yoga to be a helpful part of her relaxation routine. Peri retired from teaching after 17 years. Although limited by her disease, she still makes time for hobbies, such as painting and golfing, when she’s feeling up for it. She remains hopeful and is planning her next adventure.

Peri and her husband enjoying some adventures together.

Learn about how multiple myeloma affects the body and how it’s diagnosed.

Although there is no cure for multiple myeloma, it’s still important to treat it. Many treatment options have been approved in recent years.

Finding information about a multiple myeloma diagnosis can be confusing. Find resources and organizations that can help.

The plasma cells grow at an out-of-control rate, crowding out healthy cells and producing abnormal antibodies. As a result, healthy plasma cells can’t grow, leaving the body vulnerable to infection and disease. The condition gets progressively worse over time.

Peri appreciates all the research that has gone into developing much needed therapies for multiple myeloma. Bristol Myers Squibb, a company dedicated to improving the lives of those living with rare blood cancers like multiple myeloma, continues to seek new ways to treat this disease and create a better future for multiple myeloma patients. Revlimid and Pomalyst are two FDA approved therapies the company has developed that worked for Peri at different points of her treatment journey. However, the biggest thanks of all goes to those patients who have participated in the clinical trials providing the important data to bring options like Revlimid and Pomalyst to patients like Peri. Peri shared, "I never have been part of a clinical trial, but I'm very grateful to all those people that have."

What is REVLIMID® (lenalidomide)? REVLIMID® (lenalidomide) is a prescription medicine, used to treat adults with multiple myeloma (MM) in combination with the medicine dexamethasone, or as maintenance treatment after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (a type of stem cell transplant that uses your own stem cells). REVLIMID should not be used to treat people who have chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) unless they are participants in a controlled clinical trial. It is not known if REVLIMID is safe and effective in children. WARNING: Risk to unborn babies, risk of low blood counts and blood clots. What is the most important information I should know about REVLIMID? Before you begin taking REVLIMID, you must read and agree to all of the instructions in the Lenalidomide REMS program. Before prescribing REVLIMID, your healthcare provider will explain the Lenalidomide REMS program to you and have you sign the Patient-Physician Agreement Form. REVLIMID may cause serious side effects, including:

Possible birth defects (deformed babies) or death of an unborn baby. Females who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant must not take REVLIMID. REVLIMID is similar to the medicine thalidomide which is known to cause severe life-threatening birth defects. REVLIMID has not been tested in pregnant females. REVLIMID has harmed unborn animals in animal testing. Females must not get pregnant:

For at least 4 weeks before starting REVLIMID While taking REVLIMID During any breaks (interruptions) in your treatment with REVLIMID For at least 4 weeks after stopping REVLIMID

Females who can become pregnant:

Must have pregnancy tests weekly for 4 weeks, then every 4 weeks if your menstrual cycle is regular, or every 2 weeks if your menstrual cycle is irregular. If you miss your period or have unusual bleeding, you will need to have a pregnancy test and receive counseling. Must agree to use 2 different forms of effective birth control at the same time, for at least 4 weeks before, while taking, during any breaks (interruptions) in your treatment, and for at least 4 weeks after stopping REVLIMID. Talk with your healthcare provider to find out about options for effective forms of birth control that you may use to prevent pregnancy before, during, and after treatment with REVLIMID. If you had unprotected sex or if you think your birth control has failed, stop taking REVLIMID immediately and call your healthcare provider right away.

If you become pregnant while taking REVLIMID, stop taking it right away and call your healthcare provider. If your healthcare provider is not available, you can call Celgene Customer Care Center at 1-888-423-5436. Healthcare providers and patients should report all cases of pregnancy to:

FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088, and Celgene Corporation at 1-888-423-5436.

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors the outcomes of females who take REVLIMID during pregnancy, or if their male partner takes REVLIMID and they are exposed during pregnancy. You can enroll in this registry by calling Celgene Corporation at the phone number listed above. REVLIMID can pass into human semen:

Males, including those who have had a vasectomy, must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with a pregnant female or a female that can become pregnant while taking REVLIMID, during any breaks (interruptions) in your treatment with REVLIMID, and for up to 4 weeks after stopping REVLIMID. Do not have unprotected sexual contact with a female who is or could become pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider if you do have unprotected sexual contact with a female who is or could become pregnant. Do not donate sperm while taking REVLIMID, during any breaks (interruptions) in your treatment, and for 4 weeks after stopping REVLIMID. If a female becomes pregnant with your sperm, the baby may be exposed to REVLIMID and may be born with birth defects.

Men: If a female becomes pregnant with your sperm, you should call your HCP right away. Low white blood cells (neutropenia) and low platelets (thrombocytopenia). REVLIMID causes low white blood cells and low platelets in most people. You may need a blood transfusion or certain medicines if your blood counts drop too low. Your healthcare provider should check your blood counts often, especially during the first several months of treatment with REVLIMID, and then at least monthly. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any bleeding or bruising during treatment with REVLIMID. Blood clots. Blood clots in the arteries, veins, and lungs happen more often in people who take REVLIMID. This risk is even higher for people with multiple myeloma who take the medicine dexamethasone with REVLIMID. Heart attacks and strokes also happen more often in people who take REVLIMID with dexamethasone. To reduce this increased risk, most people who take REVLIMID will also take a blood thinner medicine. Before taking REVLIMID, tell your healthcare provider:

if you have had a blood clot in the past; if you have high blood pressure, smoke, or if you have been told you have a high level of fat in your blood (hyperlipidemia); and about all the medicines you take. Certain other medicines can also increase your risk for blood clots

Call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you get any of the following during treatment with REVLIMID:

Signs or symptoms of a blood clot in the lung, arm, or leg may include: shortness of breath, chest pain, or arm or leg swelling Signs or symptoms of a heart attack may include: chest pain that may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach area (abdomen), feeling sweaty, shortness of breath, feeling sick or vomiting Signs or symptoms of stroke may include: sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, severe headache or confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or balance

Who should not take REVLIMID? Do not take REVLIMID if you:

are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or become pregnant during treatment with REVLIMID. See “What is the most important information I should know about REVLIMID?” are allergic to lenalidomide or any of the ingredients in REVLIMID. See the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in REVLIMID.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking REVLIMID? Before you take REVLIMID, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

have liver problems have kidney problems or receive kidney dialysis treatment have thyroid problems have had a serious skin rash with thalidomide treatment. You should not take REVLIMID. are lactose intolerant. REVLIMID contains lactose. are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed during treatment with REVLIMID. It is not known if REVLIMID passes into your breast milk and can harm your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. REVLIMID and other medicines may affect each other, causing serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any new medicines. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

How should I take REVLIMID?

Take REVLIMID exactly as prescribed and follow all the instructions of the Lenalidomide REMS program Swallow REVLIMID capsules whole, with water, 1 time a day. Do not open, break, or chew your capsules. REVLIMID may be taken with or without food. Take REVLIMID at about the same time each day. Do not open the REVLIMID capsules or handle them any more than needed. If powder from the REVLIMID capsule comes in contact with:

your skin, wash the skin right away with soap and water. inside of your eyes, nose, or mouth, flush well with water.

If you miss a dose of REVLIMID and it has been less than 12 hours since your regular time, take it as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 12 hours, just skip your missed dose. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. If you take too much REVLIMID, call your healthcare provider right away.

What should I avoid while taking REVLIMID?

See “What is the most important information I should know about REVLIMID?” Females: Do not get pregnant and do not breastfeed while taking REVLIMID. Males: Do not donate sperm. Do not share REVLIMID with other people. It may cause birth defects and other serious problems. Do not donate blood while you take REVLIMID, during any breaks (interruptions) in your treatment, and for 4 weeks after stopping REVLIMID. If someone who is pregnant gets your donated blood, her baby may be exposed to REVLIMID and may be born with birth defects.

What are the possible side effects of REVLIMID? REVLIMID can cause serious side effects, including:

See “What is the most important information I should know about REVLIMID?” Increased risk of death in people who have chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). People with CLL who take REVLIMID have an increased risk of death compared with people who take the medicine chlorambucil. REVLIMID may cause you to have serious heart problems that can lead to death, including atrial fibrillation, heart attack, or heart failure. You should not take REVLIMID if you have CLL unless you are participating in a controlled clinical trial. Risk of new cancers (malignancies). An increase in new (second) cancers has happened in patients who received REVLIMID and melphalan, or a blood stem cell transplant, including certain blood cancers, such as acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and certain other types of cancers of the skin and other organs. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk of developing new cancers if you take REVLIMID. Your healthcare provider will check you for new cancers during your treatment with REVLIMID. Severe liver problems, including liver failure and death. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your liver function during your treatment with REVLIMID. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms of liver problems:

yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice) dark or brown (tea-colored) urine pain on the upper right side of your stomach area (abdomen) bleeding or bruising more easily than normal feeling very tired

Severe skin reactions and severe allergic reactions can happen with REVLIMID and may cause death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following signs or symptoms during treatment with REVLIMID:

a red, itchy, skin rash peeling of your skin or blisters severe itching fever

Get emergency medical help right away if you develop any of the following signs or symptoms during treatment with REVLIMID:

swelling of your lips, mouth, tongue, or throat trouble breathing or swallowing raised red areas on your skin (hives) a very fast heartbeat you feel dizzy or faint Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). TLS is caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells. TLS can cause kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatment, abnormal heart rhythm, seizure, and sometimes death. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check you for TLS. Worsening of your tumor (tumor flare reaction). Tell your healthcare provider if you get any of these symptoms of tumor flare reaction while taking REVLIMID: tender, swollen lymph nodes; low-grade fever, pain, or rash. Thyroid problems. Your healthcare provider may check your thyroid function before you start taking REVLIMID and during treatment with REVLIMID. Risk of early death in MCL. In people who have mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), there may be a risk of dying sooner (early death) when taking REVLIMID. Talk with your healthcare provider about any concerns and possible risk factors.

The most common side effects of REVLIMID include:

diarrhea rash nausea constipation tiredness or weakness fever itching swelling of your arms, hands, legs, feet, and skin sleep problems (insomnia) headache muscle cramps or spasms shortness of breath cough, sore throat, and other symptoms of a cold upper respiratory tract infection or bronchitis inflammation of the stomach and intestine (“stomach flu”) nose bleed shaking or trembling (tremor) joint aches pain in your back or stomach area (abdomen)

These are not all of the possible side effects of REVLIMID. Your healthcare provider may tell you to decrease your dose, temporarily stop or permanently stop taking REVLIMID if you develop certain serious side effects during treatment with REVLIMID. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS and Medication Guide, for REVLIMID. What is POMALYST® (pomalidomide)? POMALYST is a prescription medicine, taken along with the medicine dexamethasone, used to treat adults with multiple myeloma who have previously received at least 2 medicines to treat multiple myeloma, including a proteasome inhibitor and lenalidomide, and whose disease has become worse during treatment or within 60 days of finishing the last treatment. It is not known if POMALYST is safe and effective in children. WARNINGS: Risk to unborn babies, and blood clots. What is the most important information I should know about POMALYST? Before you begin taking POMALYST, you must read and agree to all of the instructions in the POMALYST REMS® program. Before prescribing POMALYST, your healthcare provider (HCP) will explain the POMALYST REMS program to you and have you sign the Patient-Physician Agreement Form. POMALYST can cause serious side effects, including:

Possible birth defects (deformed babies) or death of an unborn baby. Females who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant must not take POMALYST.

POMALYST is similar to the medicine thalidomide (THALOMID®), which is known to cause severe life-threatening birth defects. POMALYST has not been tested in pregnant females. POMALYST has harmed unborn animals in animal testing. Females must not get pregnant:

For at least 4 weeks before starting POMALYST While taking POMALYST During any breaks (interruptions) in your treatment with POMALYST For at least 4 weeks after stopping POMALYST

Females who can become pregnant:

Will have pregnancy tests weekly for 4 weeks, then every 4 weeks if your menstrual cycle is regular, or every 2 weeks if your menstrual cycle is irregular. If you miss your period or have unusual bleeding, you will need to have a pregnancy test and receive counseling. Must agree to use 2 acceptable forms of effective birth control at the same time, for at least 4 weeks before, while taking, during any breaks (interruptions) in treatment, and for at least 4 weeks after stopping POMALYST. Talk with your healthcare provider to find out about options for acceptable forms of birth control that you may use to prevent pregnancy during and after treatment with POMALYST.

If you become pregnant while taking POMALYST, stop taking it right away and call your healthcare provider. If your healthcare provider is not available, you can call Celgene Customer Care Center at 1-888-423-5436. Healthcare providers and patients should report all cases of pregnancy to:

FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 Celgene Corporation, a Bristol Myers Squibb company, at 1-888-423-5436

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors the outcomes of females who take POMALYST during pregnancy, or if their male partner takes POMALYST and they are exposed during pregnancy. You can enroll in this registry by calling Celgene Corporation, a Bristol Myers Squibb company, at the phone number listed above. POMALYST can pass into human semen:

Males, including those who have had a vasectomy, must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with a pregnant female or a female that can become pregnant while taking POMALYST, during any breaks (interruptions) in your treatment with POMALYST, and for 4 weeks after stopping POMALYST. Do not have unprotected sexual contact with a female who is or could become pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider if you do have unprotected sexual contact with a female who is or could become pregnant. Do not donate sperm while taking POMALYST, during any breaks (interruptions) in your treatment, and for 4 weeks after stopping POMALYST. If a female becomes pregnant with your sperm, the baby may be exposed to POMALYST and may be born with birth defects.

Men, if your female partner becomes pregnant, you should call your healthcare provider right away. Do not donate blood while you take POMALYST, during any breaks (interruptions) in your treatment, and for 4 weeks after stopping POMALYST. If someone who is pregnant gets your donated blood, her baby may be exposed to POMALYST and may be born with birth defects.

Blood clots in your arteries, veins, and lungs, heart attack, and stroke can happen if you take POMALYST.

Most people who take POMALYST will also take a blood thinner medicine to help prevent blood clots. Before taking POMALYST, tell your healthcare provider:

If you have had a blood clot in the past. If you have high blood pressure, smoke, or if you have been told you have a high level of fat in your blood (hyperlipidemia). About all the medicines you take. Certain other medicines can also increase your risk for blood clots.

Call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you get any of the following during treatment with POMALYST:

Signs or symptoms of a blood clot in the lung, arm, or leg may include: shortness of breath, chest pain, or arm or leg swelling. Signs or symptoms of a heart attack may include: chest pain that may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach area (abdomen); feeling sweaty, shortness of breath, feeling sick, or vomiting. Signs or symptoms of stroke may include: sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, severe headache or confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or balance. A red, itchy skin rash Peeling of your skin or blisters Severe itching Fever

Get emergency medical help right away if you develop any of the following signs or symptoms during treatment with POMALYST:

swelling of your lips, mouth, tongue, or throat trouble breathing or swallowing raised red areas on your skin (hives) a very fast heartbeat you feel dizzy or faint

Who should not take POMALYST? Do not take POMALYST if you:

Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or become pregnant during treatment with POMALYST. See “What is the most important information I should know about POMALYST?” Are allergic to pomalidomide or any of the ingredients in POMALYST.

What should I tell my healthcare provider (HCP) before taking POMALYST?

If you smoke cigarettes (POMALYST may not work as well in people who smoke), have any other medical conditions, or are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed during treatment with POMALYST—it is not known if POMALYST passes into breast milk and can harm the baby. If you have liver problems If you have kidney problems and are receiving hemodialysis treatment Tell your HCP about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. POMALYST and other medicines may affect each other, causing serious side effects. Talk with your HCP before taking any new medicines.

How should I take POMALYST? Take POMALYST exactly as prescribed and follow all the instructions of the POMALYST REMS program.

Swallow POMALYST capsules whole with water 1 time a day. Do not break, chew, or open capsules. Take POMALYST at the same time each day with or without food. If you are on hemodialysis, take POMALYST after hemodialysis on hemodialysis days. Do not open POMALYST capsules or handle them any more than needed. If you touch a broken POMALYST capsule or the medicine in the capsule, wash the area of your body right away with soap and water. If you miss a dose of POMALYST and it has been less than 12 hours since your regular time, take POMALYST as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 12 hours, just skip your missed dose. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. If you take too much POMALYST, call your healthcare provider (HCP) right away. Do not share POMALYST with other people. It may cause birth defects and other serious problems.

What are the possible side effects of POMALYST?

See “What is the most important information I should know about POMALYST?” POMALYST can cause serious side effects, including:

Low white blood cells (neutropenia), low platelets (thrombocytopenia), and low red blood cells (anemia) are common with POMALYST, but can also be serious. You may need a blood transfusion or certain medicines if your blood counts drop too low. Your blood counts should be checked by your healthcare provider (HCP) weekly for the first 8 weeks of treatment and monthly after that. Severe liver problems, including liver failure and death. Your HCP should do blood tests to check your liver function during your treatment with POMALYST. Tell your HCP right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: yellowing of your skin or the white parts of your eyes (jaundice); dark or brown (tea-colored) urine; pain on the upper right side of your stomach area (abdomen); bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, or feeling very tired. Severe allergic and severe skin reactions can happen with POMALYST and may cause death. Dizziness and confusion. Avoid taking other medicines that may cause dizziness and confusion during treatment with POMALYST. Avoid situations that require you to be alert until you know how POMALYST affects you. Nerve damage. Stop taking POMALYST and call your HCP if you develop numbness, tingling, pain, or a burning sensation in your hands, legs, or feet. New cancers (malignancies). New cancers, including certain blood cancers (acute myelogenous leukemia or AML) have been seen in people who received POMALYST. Talk with your HCP about your risk. Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS). TLS is caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells. TLS can cause kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatment, abnormal heart rhythm, seizure, and sometimes death. Your HCP may do blood tests to check you for TLS.

The most common side effects of POMALYST include tiredness and weakness, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath, upper respiratory tract infection, back pain, and fever. These are not all the possible side effects of POMALYST. Your HCP may tell you to stop taking POMALYST if you develop certain serious side effects during treatment. Call your HCP for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS and Medication Guide.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the first time Peri encountered multiple myeloma. Just a week prior to her own diagnosis, Peri learned her father's passing many years ago was from multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma basics

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects certain blood cells called plasma cells. Learn about how multiple myeloma affects the body and how it’s diagnosed.

Treatment and monitoring

Although there is no cure for multiple myeloma, it’s still important to treat it. Many treatment options have been approved in recent years.

Living with multiple myeloma

Finding information about a multiple myeloma diagnosis can be confusing and frustrating. Find resources and organizations that can help.

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