List of thalidomide side effects explained

Adverse effects by frequency:^{[1] [2]}

Note that teratogenicity is not discussed here as it is not considered a side effect. For information regarding birth defects, see thalidomide.

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

• Somnolence (drowsiness; ~40%)
• Edema (~60%)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Headache
• Haematuria (blood in the urine)
• Arthralgia (joint pain)
• Myalgia (muscle aches)
• Increased bilirubin
• Neutropenia (~30%)
• Leucopenia (~15-40%)
• Lymphopenia
• Constipation
• Peripheral neuropathy^†
• Dizziness
• Paraesthesia
• Dysaesthesia

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Pulmonary embolism
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Toxic skin eruption
• Dry skin
• Rash
• Urticaria (hives)
• Pyrexia (fever)
• Asthenia
• Interstitial lung disease
• Heart failure
• Depression
• Pneumonia

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Shortness of breath
• Tremor

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

• Increased appetite
• Bradycardia (low heart rate)
• Tachycardia (high heart rate)
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Malaise
• Deep vein thrombosis

Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)

• Thrombocytopenia
• Anaemia
• Hypothyroidism
• Reduced libido
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Thromboembolic events
• Bronchospasm
• Intestinal obstruction
• Pruritus (itchiness)
• Stevens–Johnson syndrome
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Facial oedema
• Photosensitivity (light sensitivity)
• Menstruation abnormalities

† Peripheral neuropathy may be irreversible and usually results from chronic (usually a matter of months) exposure to thalidomide.^[2]

References

1. Web site: US Label: Thalomid (thalidomide) capsule [Celgene Corporation]]. DailyMed. Celgene Corporation. November 2013. 17 January 2014.
2. Web site: UK Label: Thalidomide Celgene 50 mg Hard Capsules. electronic Medicines Compendium. Celgene Ltd. 1 August 2013. 17 January 2014.