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When was Thalidomide first introduced?
Thalidomide was first introduced in West Germany in 1956 as a sedative and later marketed as a treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women. Its use was halted in the early 1960s after it was linked to severe birth defects. The drug was eventually reintroduced in the 1990s for specific medical conditions, such as multiple myeloma and leprosy.
Is doriden still made?
Doriden, a brand name for the drug thalidomide, is not commonly prescribed today due to its historical association with severe birth defects when used during pregnancy. However, thalidomide is still used in certain medical contexts, particularly for conditions like multiple myeloma and leprosy, under strict regulations. The original formulation as Doriden is no longer in production, and any current use involves modified formulations with stringent safety measures.
When and how was thalidomide baned?
Thalidomide was banned in most countries in the early 1960s after it was linked to severe birth defects when taken by pregnant women. The drug was initially introduced in the late 1950s as a sedative and treatment for morning sickness but was withdrawn from the market in 1961 following widespread reports of its harmful effects. Regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), imposed strict regulations on drug testing and approval processes as a result of the thalidomide tragedy. Today, thalidomide is still used under strict controls for certain conditions, such as multiple myeloma, but is prohibited for use in pregnant women.
What effect did thalidomide have on pregneant women?
Thalidomide, originally prescribed in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a sedative and anti-nausea medication for pregnant women, caused severe birth defects in thousands of infants. Babies born to mothers who took thalidomide often suffered from limb abnormalities, organ defects, and other serious health issues, a condition known as phocomelia. The drug's tragic impact led to stricter regulations on drug testing and approval processes for pregnant women. Its use in pregnancy has since been banned in many countries, although thalidomide is now used under strict controls for certain medical conditions.
If Thalidomide use was stopped in 1961 why were my little brother and another girl I know both born in the US in late 1963 with identical genital and visual thalidomide birth defects?
Thalidomide was never approved for use in the United States. NEVER! So, first, one must determine if the two individuals you mentioned have been officially diagnosed by a physician as having genital and visual birth defects that are caused ONLY BY THALIDOMIDE and (a) not caused by another medication or (b) not congenital in nature.Second, if congenital birth defects and other medications have been ruled out as causative, then one must remember that, simply because a medication is no longer being manufactured or dispensed, it continues to be available for an unknown period of time in the homes of those for whom it was prescribed or who purchased it prior to the date when sales and manufacturing ceased.Therefore, IF the birth defects have been definitively identified as being related to Thalidomide, then the mother of each child must have had access to Thalidomide via her own individual supply or from the supply of someone else.To further complicate matters, Thalidomide was ALSO USED IN COMBINATION with other medications to treat conditions such as migraine and asthma, making it much less likely that someone who was using such a combination product would be AWARE of the potential danger.In all cases, the medication would have originated from a country other than the United States because, as already noted, no Thalidomide products were ever approved for sale in the United States.In summary, in 1961, the manufacturing, dispensing, and sale of Thalidomide and Thalidomide-containing combination products was stopped. The USE of these products continued because of the medication that was already in the hands of the public.Regrettably, any continued use may have been partly attributable to the public not having been fully educated in 1961 regarding the risks of Thalidomide and Thalidomide-containing combination products. This is especially true for U.S. citizens who may have received one of these products when traveling outside of the United States.
Why do some people not use thalidomide?
Some people do not use thalidomide due to its severe side effects, including the risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Additionally, its use is restricted to specific medical conditions, such as multiple myeloma and certain skin conditions related to leprosy, which limits its availability. Concerns over potential side effects and the need for careful monitoring also contribute to its cautious use. Furthermore, regulatory guidelines and the need for patient education play a critical role in its prescription.
Which anicent cultures contributed to the medical terminology we use today?
Greek culture.
When was leech use in medicine?
It is still in use today. They have found that it has medical value and it is used in some cases.
Why were ' children of thalidomide' significant in 1958?
The "children of thalidomide" were significant in 1958 due to the public health crisis that emerged from the use of the drug thalidomide, which was prescribed to pregnant women as a sedative and to alleviate morning sickness. The drug caused severe birth defects, including limb malformations, leading to thousands of affected children worldwide. This tragedy raised awareness about the need for stricter drug regulations and the importance of rigorous testing for pharmaceuticals, ultimately resulting in significant changes in drug approval processes, particularly in the United States and Europe. The incident became a pivotal moment in the history of medical ethics and pharmaceutical safety.
Described one medical use of ultra sound?
One medical use of an ultrasound is for a pregnant mother to see her baby.
What ancient cultures contributed to the medical terminology you use today?
Greek and Roman
What sort of chemical hazard is thalidomide?
Thalidomide is classified as a teratogenic chemical hazard, meaning it can cause developmental malformations in a fetus if taken during pregnancy. Originally marketed as a sedative and for treating morning sickness, it led to severe birth defects when its risks were not adequately understood. Thalidomide is now used under strict regulations for certain conditions, such as multiple myeloma and leprosy, highlighting the importance of careful monitoring in its use.
