Thalidomide, sold under the brand names Contergan and Thalomid among others, is a medication used to treat a number of cancers (including multiple myeloma), graft-versus-host disease, and a number of skin conditions including complications of leprosy.[3] While it has been used in a number of HIV-associated conditions, such use is associated with increased levels of the virus.[3] It is administered orally.[3]
Common side effects include sleepiness, rash, and dizziness.[3] Severe side effects include tumor lysis syndrome, blood clots, and peripheral neuropathy.[4] Use in pregnancy may harm the fetus, including resulting in malformation of the limbs.[3] In males who are taking the medication, contraception is essential if a partner could become pregnant.[4] It is an immunomodulatory medication and works by a number of mechanisms, including stimulating T cells and decreasing TNF-α production.[3]
Thalidomide was first marketed in 1957 in West Germany, where it was available over the counter.[5][6] When first released, thalidomide was promoted for anxiety, trouble sleeping, "tension", and morning sickness.[6][7]While it was initially thought to be safe in pregnancy, concerns regarding birth defects arose until in 1961 the medication was removed from the market in Europe.[6][5] The total number of embryos affected by use during pregnancy is estimated at 10,000, of which about 40% died around the time of birth.[6][3] Those who survived had limb, eye, urinary tract, and heart problems.[5] Its initial entry into the US market was prevented by Frances Kelsey at the FDA.[7] The birth defects caused by thalidomide led to the development of greater drug regulation and monitoring in many countries.[7][5]
It was approved for medical use in the United States in 1998.[3] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[8] It is available as a generic medication.[4]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalidomide
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