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.
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
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.56 When first released, thalidomide was promoted for anxiety, trouble sleeping, "tension", and morning sickness.67 While it was initially thought to be safe in pregnancy, concerns regarding birth defects arose in 1961, and the medication was removed from the market in Europe that year.65 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.63 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.75
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
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
by Bad C dev July 25, 2021
" Dammit Roy, what's so hard about walking 20 extra yards? Why d'ya have to be such a fucking Thalidomide Grinch?"
by Dixon Syder March 17, 2007
The Thalidomide Hand is obtained when two lovers embrace side-by-side in bed, and one of them has their hand emerging from under their body. It resembles a common deformity from the early 60s caused by the use of the drug Thalidomide.
"When Lauren and I started making out in bed, she had rolled over onto her right arm and got the Thalidomide hand."
by Rick Deckard January 6, 2010
(n.) One who makes fun of others' disabilities. When the TC sees a person in a wheelchair, they get behind them and push them into the road. Often wear tight 70's clothes and use 70's colloquialisms, and racist terms. Always skinny.
"Look at that old nigger in the wheelchair..." said Joe, the local thalidomide comedian, just before throwing his burger at him.
by Kung-Fu Jesus May 9, 2004