What is thalidomide?
Thalidomide was synthesized in West Germany in 1953 by Chemie Grünenthal. It was marketed (available to patients) from October 1, 1957 (West Germany) into the early 1960’s. Thalidomide was present in at least 46 countries under many different brand names. (See The many faces of Thalidomide for a partial list of those names.) Thalidomide became available in “sample tablet form” in Canada in late 1959. It was licensed for prescription use on April 1, 1961. Although Thalidomide was withdrawn from the West German and United Kingdom markets by December 2, 1961, it remained legally available in Canada until March 2, 1962, a full three months later. Incredulously Thalidomide was still available in some Canadian pharmacies until mid-May 1962. • Thalidomide, was hailed as a “wonder drug” that provided a “safe, sound sleep”. • Thalidomide was a sedative that was found to be effective when given to pregnant women to combat many of the symptoms associated with morning sickness. It was not realized
Thalidomide affects the immune system. It helps promote immune responses to prevent inflammation in the body. Thalidomide is used to treat and prevent the debilitating and disfiguring skin sores caused by erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), an inflammatory complication of leprosy. It is also used together with another medicine called dexamethasone to treat multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer). Thalidomide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Thalidomide affects the immune system. It helps promote immune responses to prevent inflammation in the body. Thalidomide is used to treat and prevent the debilitating and disfiguring skin sores caused by erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), an inflammatory complication of leprosy. It is also used together with another medicine called dexamethasone to treat multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer). Thalidomide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. Back to Top What are the possible side effects of thalidomide? Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: • chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, coughing up blood; • pain or swelling in your arm, thigh, or calf; • easy bruising, unusual bleeding or weakness; • slow heartbeats, shallow breath
