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Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Other immunosuppressants
- Action class
- Thalidomide Analog
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Prescription (Rx)
Available as
1 MG · Oral Capsule2 MG · Oral Capsule3 MG · Oral Capsule4 MG · Oral Capsule
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
⚠ Boxed warningBOXED WARNING WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY and VENOUS AND ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Pomalidomide capsules are contraindicated in pregnancy. Pomalidomide capsules are a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe birth defects or embryo-fetal death. In females of reproductive potential, obtain 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting pomalidomide capsules treatment. Females of reproductive potential must use 2 forms of contraception or continuously abstain from heterosexual sex during and for 4 weeks after stopping pomalidomide capsules treatment [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3 )]. Pomalidomide capsules are only available through a restricted distribution program called PS-Pomalidomide REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 )]. Information about PS-Pomalidomide REMS is available at www.PS-PomalidomideREMS.com or by calling the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436. Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism Deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), myocardial infarction, and stroke occur in patients with multiple myeloma treated with pomalidomide capsules. Prophylactic antithrombotic measures were employed in clinical trials. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended, and the choice of regimen should be based on assessment of the patient's underlying risk factors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 )]. WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY and VENOUS AND ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY Pomalidomide capsules are contraindicated in pregnancy. Pomalidomide capsules are a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe life-threatening birth defects ( 4, 5.1, 8.1 ). For females of reproductive potential: Exclude pregnancy before start of treatment. Prevent pregnancy during treatment by the use of 2 reliable methods of contraception ( 5.1, 8.3 ). Pomalidomide capsules are available only through a restricted program called PS-Pomalidomide REMS ( 5.2 ). VENOUS AND ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM Deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), myocardial infarction, and stroke occur in patients with multiple myeloma treated with pomalidomide capsules. Antithrombotic prophylaxis is recommended ( 5.3 ).
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pomalidomide capsules are a thalidomide analogue indicated for the treatment of adult patients: in combination with dexamethasone, for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of the last therapy ( 1.1 ). with AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS) after failure of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) or in patients with KS who are HIV-negative. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s) ( 1.2 ). 1.1 Multiple Myeloma Pomalidomide, in combination with dexamethasone, are indicated for adult patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of the last therapy. 1.2 Kaposi Sarcoma Pomalidomide capsules are indicated for the treatment of: Adult patients with AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS) after failure of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in adult patients who are HIV-negative. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate [see Clinical Studies (14.2 )]. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Pomalidomide is an analogue of thalidomide with immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic, and antineoplastic properties. Cellular activities of pomalidomide are mediated through its target cereblon, a component of a cullin ring E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme complex. In vitro, in the presence of drug, substrate proteins (including Aiolos and Ikaros) are targeted for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation leading to direct cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects. In in vitro cellular assays, pomalidomide inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of hematopoietic tumor cells. Additionally, pomalidomide inhibited the proliferation of lenalidomide-resistant multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines and synergized with dexamethasone in both lenalidomide-sensitive and lenalidomide-resistant cell lines to induce tumor cell apoptosis. Pomalidomide enhanced T cell- and natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immunity and inhibited production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-6) by monocytes. Pomalidomide demonstrated anti-angiogenic activity in a mouse tumor model and in the in vitro umbilical cord model.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION MM: 4 mg per day taken orally on Days 1 through 21 of repeated 28-day cycles until disease progression ( 2.2 ). Refer to section 14.1 for dexamethasone dosing ( 14.1 ). KS: 5 mg per day taken orally on Days 1 through 21 of repeated 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity ( 2.3 ). Modify the dosage for certain patients with renal impairment ( 2.7 , 8.6 ) or hepatic impairment ( 2.8, 8.7 ). 2.1 Pregnancy Testing Prior to Administration Females of reproductive potential must have negative pregnancy testing and use contraception methods before initiating pomalidomide capsules [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3 )]. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Multiple Myeloma The recommended dosage of pomalidomide capsules is 4 mg once daily orally with or without food on Days 1 through 21 of each 28-day cycle until disease progression. Give pomalidomide capsules in combination with dexamethasone [see Clinical Studies (14.1 )]. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for Kaposi Sarcoma The recommended dosage of pomalidomide capsules is 5 mg once daily taken orally with or without food on Days 1 through 21 of each 28-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Continue HAART as HIV treatment in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS) [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. 2.4 Dosage Modifications for Hematologic Adverse Reactions Multiple Myeloma: Dosage Modifications for Hematologic Adverse Reactions Initiate a new cycle of pomalidomide capsules in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) when the neutrophil count is at least 500 per mcL and the platelet count is at least 50,000 per mcL. Dosage modification for pomalidomide capsules for hematologic adverse reactions in patients with MM are summarized in Table 1. Table 1: Dosage Modifications for pomalidomide capsules for Hematologic in MM * Permanently discontinue pomalidomide capsules if unable to tolerate 1 mg once daily. ANC= absolute neutrophil count Adverse Reaction Severity Dosage Modification Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] ANC less than 500 per mcL or febrile neutropenia (fever greater than or equal to 38.5°C and ANC less than 1,000 per mcL) Withhold pomalidomide capsules until ANC is greater than or equal to 500 per mcL; follow CBC weekly. Resume pomalidomide capsules dose at 1 mg less than the previous dose. * Thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] For each subsequent drop of ANC less than 500 per mcL Withhold pomalidomide capsules until ANC is greater than or equal to 500 mcL. Resume pomalidomide capsules dose at 1 mg less than the previous dose. * Platelets less than 25,000 per mcL Withhold pomalidomide capsules until platelets are greater than or equal to 50,000 per mcL; follow CBC weekly. Resume pomalidomide capsules dose at 1 mg less than the previous dose* For each subsequent drop of platelets less than 25,000 per mcL Withhold pomalidomide capsules until platelets are greater than or equal to 50,000 per mcL. Resume pomalidomide capsules at 1 mg less than the previous dose* Kaposi Sarcoma: Dosage Modifications for Hematologic Adverse Reactions Initiate a new cycle of pomalidomide capsules in patients with KS when the neutrophil count is at least 1000 per mcL and the platelet count is at least 75,000 per mcL. Dose modifications for pomalidomide capsules for hematologic adverse reactions in patients with KS are summarized in Table 2. Table 2: Dosage Modifications for Pomalidomide Capsules for Hematologic Adverse Reactions in KS * Permanently discontinue pomalidomide capsules if unable to tolerate 1mg once daily. ANC= absolute neutrophil count Adverse Reaction Severity Dosage Modification Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5 )] ANC 500 to less than1,000 per mcL Day 1 of cycle Withhold pomalidomide capsules until ANC is greater than or equal to 1,000 per mcL. Resume pomalidomide capsules at the same dose. During cycle Continue pomalidomide capsules at the c
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described in detail in other labeling sections: Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2 )] Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Increased Mortality in Patients with Multiple Myeloma When Pembrolizumab Is Added to a Thalidomide Analogue and Dexamethasone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Severe Cutaneous Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Dizziness and Confusional State [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8 )] Neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9 )] Risk of Second Primary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10 )] Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11 )] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12 )]. MM: Most common adverse reactions (≥30%) included fatigue and asthenia, neutropenia, anemia, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, dyspnea, upper-respiratory tract infections, back pain, and pyrexia ( 6.1 ). KS: Most common adverse reactions including laboratory abnormalities (≥30%) are decreased absolute neutrophil count or white blood cells, elevated creatinine or glucose, rash, constipation, fatigue, decreased hemoglobin, platelets, phosphate, albumin, or calcium, increased ALT, nausea, and diarrhea ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Breckenridge Pharmaceutical Inc. at 1-800-367-3395 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Multiple Myeloma (MM) In Trial 1, data were evaluated from 219 patients (safety population) who received treatment with Pomalidomide + Low-dose Dex (112 patients) or pomalidomide alone (107 patients). Median number of treatment cycles was 5. Sixty-seven percent of patients in the study had a dose interruption of either drug due to adverse reactions. Forty-two percent of patients in the study had a dose reduction of either drug due to adverse reactions. The discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 11%. In Trial 2, data were evaluated from 450 patients (safety population) who received treatment with Pomalidomide + Low-dose Dex (300 patients) or High-dose Dexamethasone (High-dose Dex) (150 patients). The median number of treatment cycles for the Pomalidomide + Low-dose Dex arm was 5. In the Pomalidomide + Low-dose Dex arm, 67% of patients had a dose interruption of pomalidomide capsules, the median time to the first dose interruption of pomalidomide was 4.1 weeks. Twenty-seven percent of patients had a dose reduction of pomalidomide, the median time to the first dose reduction of pomalidomide was 4.5 weeks. Eight percent of patients discontinued pomalidomide due to adverse reactions. Tables 3 and 4 summarize the adverse reactions reported in Trials 1 and 2, respectively. Table 3: Adverse Reactions in Any Pomalidomide Capsules Treatment Arm in Trial 1* * Regardless of attribution of relatedness to pomalidomide. a Pomalidomide alone arm includes all patients randomized to the pomalidomide alone arm who took study drug; 61 of the 107 patients had dexamethasone added during the treatment period. b Serious adverse reactions were reported in at least 2 patients in any pomalidomide treatment arm. Data cutoff: 01 March 2013 All Adverse Reactions ≥10% in Either Arm Grade 3 or 4 ≥5% in Either Arm Body System Adverse Reaction Pomalidomide a (N=107) Pomalidomide + Low-dose Dex (N=112) Pomalidomide (N=107) Pomalidomide + Low-dose Dex (N=112) Number (%) of patients with at least one adverse reaction 107 (100) 112 (100) 98 (92) 102 (91) Blood and lymphatic system disorders Neutropenia b 57 (53) 55 (4
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in females exposed to pomalidomide capsules during pregnancy as well as female partners of male patients who are exposed to pomalidomide capsules. This registry is also used to understand the root cause for the pregnancy. Report any suspected fetal exposure to pomalidomide capsules to the FDA via the MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 and also to the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-¬5436. Risk Summary Based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1 )] and findings from animal studies, pomalidomide capsules can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated during pregnancy [see Contraindications (4), and Warnings and Precautions (5.1 )]. Pomalidomide capsules are a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a human teratogen, inducing a high frequency of severe and life-threatening birth defects such as amelia (absence of limbs), phocomelia (short limbs), hypoplasticity of the bones, absence of bones, external ear abnormalities (including anotia, micropinna, small or absent external auditory canals), facial palsy, eye abnormalities (anophthalmos, microphthalmos), and congenital heart defects. Alimentary tract, urinary tract, and genital malformations have also been documented, and mortality at or shortly after birth has been reported in about 40% of infants. Pomalidomide was teratogenic in both rats and rabbits when administered during the period of organogenesis. Pomalidomide crossed the placenta after administration to pregnant rabbits (see Data). If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential risk to a fetus. If pregnancy does occur during treatment, immediately discontinue the drug. Under these conditions, refer patient to an obstetrician/gynecologist experienced in reproductive toxicity for further evaluation and counseling. Report any suspected fetal exposure to pomalidomide capsules to the FDA via the MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 and also to the REMS Call Center at 1-888-423-5436. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. The estimated background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2%-4% and of miscarriage is 15%-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Animal Data Pomalidomide was teratog
BreastfeedingUnsafe
8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Pomalidomide capsules can cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 )]. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating pomalidomide capsules therapy and during therapy. Advise females of reproductive potential that they must avoid pregnancy 4 weeks before therapy, while taking pomalidomide capsules, during dose interruptions and for at least 4 weeks after completing therapy. Females of reproductive potential must have 2 negative pregnancy tests before initiating pomalidomide capsules. The first test should be performed within 10-14 days, and the second test within 24 hours prior to prescribing pomalidomide capsules. Once treatment has started and during dose interruptions, pregnancy testing for females of reproductive potential should occur weekly during the first 4 weeks of use, then pregnancy testing should be repeated every 4 weeks in females with regular menstrual cycles. If menstrual cycles are irregular, the pregnancy testing should occur every 2 weeks. Pregnancy testing and counseling should be performed if a patient misses her period or if there is any abnormality in her menstrual bleeding. Pomalidomide capsules treatment must be discontinued during this evaluation. Contraception Females Females of reproductive potential must commit either to abstain continuously from heterosexual sexual intercourse or to use 2 methods of reliable birth control simultaneously: one highly effective form of contraception – tubal ligation, IUD, hormonal (birth control pills, injections, hormonal patches, vaginal rings, or implants), or partner’s vasectomy, and 1 additional effective contraceptive method – male latex or synthetic condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap. Contraception must begin 4 weeks prior to initiating treatment with pomalidomide capsules, during therapy, during dose interruptions, and continuing for 4 weeks following discontinuation of pomalidomide capsules therapy. Reliable contraception is indicated even where there has been a history of infertility, unless due to hysterectomy. Females of reproductive potential should be referred to a qualified provider of contraceptive methods, if needed. Males Pomalidomide is present in the semen of males who take pomalidomide capsules. Therefore, males must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with females of reproductive potential while
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyCaution
…Modify the dosage for certain patients with renal impairment ( 2.7 , 8.6 ) or hepatic impairment ( 2.8, 8.7 ).…
LiverCaution
…dosage for certain patients with renal impairment ( 2.7 , 8.6 ) or hepatic impairment ( 2.8, 8.7 ).…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Increased Mortality: Observed in patients with MM when pembrolizumab was added to dexamethasone and a thalidomide analogue ( 5.4 ). Hematologic Toxicity: Neutropenia was the most frequently reported Grade 3/4 adverse event. Monitor patients for hematologic toxicities, especially neutropenia ( 5.5 ). Hepatotoxicity: Hepatic failure including fatalities; monitor liver function tests monthly ( 5.6 ). Severe Cutaneous Reactions: Discontinue pomalidomide capsules for severe reactions ( 5.7 ). Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): Monitor patients at risk of TLS (i.e., those with high tumor burden) and take appropriate precautions ( 5.11 ). Hypersensitivity: Monitor patients for potential hypersensitivity. Discontinue pomalidomide capsules for angioedema and anaphylaxis ( 5.12 ). 5.1 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Pomalidomide capsules are a thalidomide analogue and are contraindicated for use during pregnancy. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe birth defects or embryo-fetal death [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. Pomalidomide capsules are only available through PS-Pomalidomide REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 )]. Females of Reproductive Potential Females of reproductive potential must avoid pregnancy for at least 4 weeks before beginning Pomalidomide Capsules therapy, during therapy, during dose interruptions and for at least 4 weeks after completing therapy. Females must commit either to abstain continuously from heterosexual sexual intercourse or to use 2 methods of reliable birth control, beginning 4 weeks prior to initiating treatment with pomalidomide capsules, during therapy, during dose interruptions, and continuing for 4 weeks following discontinuation of pomalidomide capsules therapy. Two negative pregnancy tests must be obtained prior to initiating therapy. The first test should be performed within 10-14 days and the second test within 24 hours prior to prescribing pomalidomide capsules therapy and then weekly during the first month, then monthly thereafter in females with regular menstrual cycles, or every 2 weeks in females with irregular menstrual cycles [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3 )]. Males Pomalidomide is present in the semen of patients receiving the drug. Therefore, males must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with females of reproductive potential while taking pomalidomide capsules and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuing pomalidomide capsules, even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy. Male patients taking pomalidomide capsules must not donate sperm [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ]. Blood Donation Patients must not donate blood during treatment with pomalidomide capsules and for 4 weeks following discontinuation of the drug because the blood might be given to a pregnant female patient whose fetus must not be exposed to pomalidomide capsules. 5.2 PS-Pomalidomide REMS Because of the embryo-fetal risk [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ], pomalidomide capsules are available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), “PS-Pomalidomide REMS”. Required components of PS-Pomalidomide REMS include the following: Prescribers must be certified with PS-Pomalidomide REMS by enrolling and complying with the REMS requirements. Patients must sign a Patient-Physician Agreement Form and comply with the REMS requirements. In particular, female patients of reproductive potential who are not pregnant must comply with the pregnancy testing and contraception requirements [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] and males must comply with contraception requirements [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ]. Pharmacies must be certified with PS-Pomalidomide REMS, must only dispense to patients who are authorized to receive pomalidomide capsules and comply with REMS requirements. Further information about PS-Pomalidomide REMS is available at www.PS-PomalidomideREMS.com or by telephone at 1-
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Pregnancy ( 4.1 ) Hypersensitivity ( 4.2 ) 4.1 Pregnancy Pomalidomide capsules are contraindicated in females who are pregnant. Pomalidomide capsules can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1 )]. Pomalidomide is a thalidomide analogue and is teratogenic in both rats and rabbits when administered during the period of organogenesis. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential risk to a fetus. 4.2 Hypersensitivity Pomalidomide Capsules are contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated severe hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, anaphylaxis) to pomalidomide or any of the excipients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7 ), Description (11) ].
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of pomalidomide capsules have not been established in pediatric patients. The safety and effectiveness were assessed but not established in two open-label studies: a dose escalation study in 25 pediatric patients aged 5 to <17 with recurrent, progressive or refractory CNS tumors [NCT02415153] and a parallel-group study conducted in 47 pediatric patients aged 4 to <17 years with recurrent or progressive high-grade glioma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, or diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) [NCT03257631]. No new safety signals were observed in pediatric patients across these studies. At the same dose by body surface area, pomalidomide exposure in 55 pediatric patients aged 4 to < 17 years old was within the range observed in adult patients with MM but higher than the exposure observed in adult patients with KS [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.
Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Strong CYP1A2 Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of strong CYP1A2 inhibitors. If concomitant use of a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor is unavoidable, reduce pomalidomide capsules dose to 2 mg ( 2.6 , 7.1 , 12.3 ). 7.1 Drugs That Affect Pomalidomide Plasma Concentrations CYP1A2 inhibitors: In healthy subjects, co-administration of fluvoxamine, a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor, increased C max and AUC of pomalidomide by 24% and 125% respectively [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 )]. Increased pomalidomide exposure may increase the risk of exposure related toxicities. Avoid co-administration of strong CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g. ciprofloxacin and fluvoxamine). If co-administration is unavoidable, reduce the pomalidomide capsules dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.6 )].
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE Hemodialysis can remove pomalidomide from circulation.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
8 marketed products on record (RxNorm)
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.