Doctors often prescribed Thalidomide to pregnant women to treat morning sickness and as a sedative to assist with sleep. Thalidomide was sold from 1957 until 1961. The product was withdrawn when it was discovered that Thalidomide was teratogenic - causing malformations of an embryo or foetus. Countless babies were born with birth-defects; most notably missing limbs.
Thalidomide was originally used as a light sedative. It proved to be a powerful teratogen, and was withdrawn after having caused a number of very serious birth defects.Interestingly, though, thalidomide can once again be prescribed in connection with the treatment of multiple myeloma. Safeguards are in effect to prevent the distribution of the drug to women who are pregnant, or who could become pregnant.
Dr.R.Kunz and Dr.H.Keller invented thalidomide in Germany
Thalidomide was supposed to be an effective sedative for pregnant women, but thalidomide caused birth defects and peripheral neuropathy.
Thalidomide was before used to prevent pregnancy nausea (it was also later discovered that it caused birth defects and was thus banned), but after more research and testing they discovered the positive effects it had on patients with Hansen's disease/Leprosy, and the drug was reintroduced (women have to take a pregnancy test before having it prescribed)
Thalidomide is not an antibiotic. It's a sedative and antiemetic. It was commonly prescribed for "morning sickness" until it was realized that it is also a teratogen and causes birth defects. It is occasionally still used as a painkiller and anti-angiogenesis agent in the treatment of leprosy and certain types of cancer, though steps are taken to ensure that it is not taken by pregnant women.
Dark Remedy: The Impact of Thalidomide and Its Revival as a Vital Medicine by Rock Brynner and Trent D. Stephens Suffer the Children: The Story of Thalidomide Tough Cookie: The Less Than Virtuous Tale of a Thalidomide Mum by Sheila Mottley Thalidomide and the Power of the Drug Companies (A Penguin special) by Robert Nilsson and Henning Sjostrom Dark Remedy: The Impact of Thalidomide and Its Revival as a Vital Medicineby Rock Brynner and Trent D. Stephens Suffer the Children: The Story of Thalidomide Tough Cookie: The Less Than Virtuous Tale of a Thalidomide Mum by Sheila Mottley Thalidomide and the Power of the Drug Companies (A Penguin special) by Robert Nilsson and Henning Sjostrom
Thalidomide regulates the immune response by suppressing a protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha.
Thalidomide leads to the forming of deformed and flipper like limbs in babies.
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The cast of Happy Birthday Thalidomide - 2004 includes: Mat Fraser
Thalidomide was marketed as an aid for nausea and for pregnant women to prevent morning sickness. Thalidomide was withdrawn because it was found to cause birth defects in newborns, such as missing limbs, it also caused peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) in long time users. Thalidomide still being used as a treatment option for various forms of cancer.