Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is Pomalyst. It is a chemotherapy drug that helps treat multiple Myeloma and Kaposi Sarcoma. It may have other uses, too. 

You should take Pomalyst exactly how your doctor tells you to. It is often given in cycles, which is a treatment period followed by a period of rest. Many people like to use a calendar to track their doses. You can take your dose with or without food but be sure to drink a glass of water. Do not break, chew, or open the capsules. 

Many people will have side effects. You may feel a little tired, weak, dizzy, or confused. You should wait until you know how it affects you before you do activities that require you to be alert, like driving. You might have nausea, back pain, and either diarrhea or constipation. These effects are normal if they are mild, and should go away. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, more serious side effects can occur. With Pomalyst, these include blood clots, a heart attack, stroke, and more. You should read the Medication Guide to know which symptoms to watch for, and when to report changes. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely and will order blood tests. 

Pomalyst can interact with other medicines. You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines and before drinking alcohol. You should also avoid smoking. 

Pomalyst can cause severe birth defects. Both men and women must agree to comply with specific instructions to prevent pregnancy. You must not donate your blood, sperm, or eggs while taking this medication. Women should not breastfeed. 

For best results, work closely with your doctor and healthcare team to manage side effects.