Australia approves Thalidomide for myeloma

Starting in February, Thalidomide is being made available under the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Royal Melbourne Hospital spokesman Dr Jeff Szer says six years of research has shown thalidomide is the most effective way of treating multiple myeloma.

"Every patient must give an understanding on how the drug can be used and, of course, keep it away from people it can harm ... that is pregnant women."