Hazardous agent. May cause bradycardia (use with caution in cardiovascular disease). Hypersensitivity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis reported. May cause neutropenia. May cause orthostatic hypotension. Use associated with development of peripheral neuropathy, which may be irreversible (caution with other medications which may cause peripheral neuropathy). May cause sedation, or seizures (use caution in history of seizures, concurrent therapy with drugs which alter seizure threshold, or conditions which predispose to seizures). Thrombotic events reported, generally in other risk factors for thrombosis (neoplastic disease, inflammatory disease, or concurrent therapy with combination chemotherapy). Use in combination with dexamethasone associated with increased risk for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Use with caution in cardiovascular disease, constipation, hepatic impairment, renal impairment or neurological disorders, including seizure disorder; also with drugs which may decrease efficacy of hormonal contraceptives, and in HIV infection (associated with increased viral loads). Thalidomide is a known teratogen. Effective contraception must be used for at least 4 weeks before initiating therapy, during therapy, and for 4 weeks following discontinuation of thalidomide for women of childbearing potential.