What are the possible side effects of thalidomide therapy?

According to the Cleveland Clinic web site, "Patients receiving thalidomide may experience a variety of different adverse effects, and if managed inappropriately, these can limit the delivery of optimal dosages of the drug. Compared to the adverse effects of standard therapies, however, the toxicities associated with thalidomide are mild and very manageable. Accordingly, nurses must be proactive in recognizing adverse effects and taking appropriate steps to manage them."

Their web site contains excellent information:

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/myeloma/management_of_thalidomide_toxicity.htm