List of thalidomide side effects

Thalidomide is a medication with a notorious history due to its teratogenic effects when used by pregnant women. Initially marketed in the 1950s as a sedative and treatment for morning sickness, thalidomide led to widespread birth defects in infants, prompting a reevaluation of drug testing and regulations. This article provides a detailed list of thalidomide side effects, focusing on its impact when used during pregnancy, as well as other potential adverse effects.

Teratogenic Effects

The most devastating side effects of thalidomide are its teratogenic effects - the ability to cause developmental abnormalities in a fetus. These effects were not initially recognized until a significant number of children were born with severe malformations.

• Phocomelia: The most characteristic effect is phocomelia, a condition where infants are born with extremely shortened or absent limbs.
• Facial Abnormalities: This includes ear deformities, facial palsy, and small or absent eye structures.
• Heart Defects: Congenital heart defects have also been reported in children exposed to thalidomide in utero.
• Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Malformations: This includes anomalies in the formation of the digestive tract and the urinary system.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Apart from its teratogenic effects, thalidomide can cause peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. This side effect can occur in individuals taking thalidomide for approved indications, such as multiple myeloma and certain types of leprosy.

Other Side Effects

Thalidomide can also cause a range of other side effects, including but not limited to:

• Drowsiness and Sedation: Reflecting its initial use as a sedative.
• Dizziness and Orthostatic Hypotension: A drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to potential fainting.
• Constipation: A common gastrointestinal side effect.
• Rash and Skin Reactions: Including potential severe reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
• Increased Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: An increased risk of blood clots in the veins.

Regulatory Actions and Legacy

The thalidomide tragedy led to significant changes in drug regulation and development, including stricter testing requirements for teratogenic effects and the establishment of more rigorous drug approval processes.

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The legacy of thalidomide is a reminder of the importance of comprehensive drug testing and the potential consequences of inadequate drug regulation. Despite its dark history, thalidomide has found new life in the treatment of certain conditions, albeit with strict controls to prevent exposure during pregnancy and to minimize other side effects.