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 The product was withdrawn when it was discovered that Thalidomide was teratogenic - causing malformations of an embryo or foetus.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 supposed to be an effective sedative for pregnant women, but thalidomide caused birth defects and peripheral neuropathy.
For pregnant women to sleep better
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 It proved to be a powerful teratogen, and was withdrawn after having caused a number of very serious birth defects.Interestingly, though, thalidomide can once again be prescribed in connection with the treatment of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.
Thalidomide
Thalidomide.
Thalidomide was originally prescribed in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a sedative and treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women. However, it was quickly withdrawn from the market after it was linked to serious birth defects in infants. The drug was later repurposed for conditions such as multiple myeloma and certain skin lesions associated with leprosy, albeit under strict regulations.
It sedated pregnant women, and then it affected the fetus of the pregnant woman which caused birth defects
Because it worked against severe morning sickness.
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.
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.
It Caused Unexpected Damage To The Babies Of Thousands Of Pregnant Women.
Thalidomide was originally given to pregnant women who suffered from morning sickness, it is not also used to treat leprosy. Although it often cured women's morning sickness, it actually causes severe limb dis-configurements in newborn children.