Birth defect drug to make a comeback.

[Ck]

Thalidomide, the drug believed to have caused thousands of birth defects in the 1960s could be back in our hospitals by the end of next month.

Experts say that over the next few weeks the European Medicines Agency are likely to give thalidomide the go ahead to be licensed in Britain, if they say yes, then the license would go into effect immediately.

Thalidomide's return has been on the cards for years, after four successful studies showed that it could be used in the treatment of myeloma - a blood and bone marrow cancer.

When the drug was introduced 50 years ago, it was launched as a wonder cure to treat coughs, colds and morning sickness.

It was withdrawn by the early 1960s when it was found to cause devastating disabling birth defects after being prescribed to pregnant women.



Should the decision to license it go ahead, strict controls would be maintained on who could get access to the drug.

[timey]

I presume it is not to be used by pregnant women this time.

[Jobless Oddball]

I presume it is not to be used by pregnant women this time.

Only if they have a blood or bone marrow cancer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[timey]

Only if they have a blood or bone marrow cancer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was assuming that it would not be used by pregnant women even in those cases. In which case I see no reason why it could not be used.

[Gemo52]

I think the problem occurred when it was prescribed during the first three months of pregnancy when the fetus's limbs are being formed.

[Ck]

Apparently it blocks new blood vessel growth, that's why they wondered in the first place if it would help with tumors.