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Thalidomide, a drug initially prescribed for morning sickness in pregnant women during the late 1950s and early 1960s, caused severe birth defects in babies, including limb malformations, organ abnormalities, and facial deformities. Known as phocomelia, the most notable effect was the underdevelopment of arms and legs. The tragedy led to stricter regulations on drug testing and approval for pregnant women. Today, thalidomide is used under strict controls for certain conditions, but it remains a poignant reminder of the importance of drug safety.
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What was Thalidomide originally intended to cure?
Thalidomide was orginally created to help cure morning sickness (a common side effect of pregnancy) and it worked out great! but the side effect was that it made gross defects on the babies born(missing/distorted limbs, etc.) so it was take off the shelves in 1962 and is not used for this purpose anymore.
How did thalidomide affect babies?
Thalidomide caused severe birth defects in babies whose mothers took the drug during pregnancy. These birth defects included limb deformities, such as missing or malformed limbs, as well as other malformations of organs like the ears, heart, and digestive system. Thalidomide exposure during pregnancy led to a tragic and widespread public health crisis in the 1950s and 1960s.
Why was thalidomide prescribed to a pregnant women?
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 The product was withdrawn when it was discovered that Thalidomide was teratogenic - causing malformations of an embryo or foetus.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.
Why was the testing inappropriate for thalidomide?
It Caused Unexpected Damage To The Babies Of Thousands Of Pregnant Women.
What is the chemical formula of thalidomide?
The chemical formula of thalidomide is C13H10N2O4.
What was thalidomide first used for?
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 It proved to be a powerful teratogen, and was withdrawn after having caused a number of very serious birth defects.Interestingly, though, thalidomide can once again be prescribed in connection with the treatment of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.
How did Thalidomide help pregnant women?
Thalidomide was supposed to be an effective sedative for pregnant women, but thalidomide caused birth defects and peripheral neuropathy.
How did thalidomide cause birth deformities?
This occurred due to the fact that the first manufacturer of thalidomide was a German pharmaceutical company - which first sold this drug in October of 1957. This was followed by British approval of the drug. Subsequently, over the next ten years or so, about 2,500 "thalidomide babies" were born in Germany, and about 2,000 in Great Britain. The birth defect is called phocomelia, a shortening of the limbs, in which they appear to look like the flippers on a seal. Also, the FDA did not approve thalidomide in the U.S. (although quite a few tablets found their way to the U.S., despite the FDA ban).
What are some books about the thalidomide disaster?
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
How does the drug thalidomide work?
Thalidomide regulates the immune response by suppressing a protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha.
Who invented thalidomide?
Dr.R.Kunz and Dr.H.Keller invented thalidomide in Germany
What actors and actresses appeared in Happy Birthday Thalidomide - 2004?
The cast of Happy Birthday Thalidomide - 2004 includes: Mat Fraser
