Thalidomide poses a high risk of injury to unborn babies. However, it is used today in certain medical studies and for certain illnesses. Thalidomide was originally used in European countries in the late 1950s. It was used as a sleeping pill and to treat morning sickness. It was then discovered that Thalidomide could cause serious injury to unborn babies.
What are some important things I should know about Thalidomide?
Even as little as one dose can result in serious injuries to an unborn baby. This includes serious birth defects that included the stunted growth of arms and legs. Other injuries can affect vision, hearing, and bodily organs.
Thalidomide is only used in certain medical studies that are highly regulated. These studies are done to find cures for life-threatening diseases. Thalidomide is also used to treat people with debilitating and disfiguring lesions associated with leprosy.
Thalidomide cannot be taken by pregnant women. Men and women who receive Thalidomide must use a condom as well as one other form of birth control during sexual intercourse for at least one month before and after taking Thalidomide. Men who took Thalidomide may contribute to the birth defects as well through their semen.
Thalidomide causes serious birth defects. This includes stunted growth of fetal arms, legs, hands and feet, and includes eye and ear defects, defects of the heart, genitals, kidneys, digestive tract and nervous system, as well as the lips and mouth.
Thalidomide may cause drowsiness in adults. Adults taking Thalidomide should not drive or operate machinery. Thalidomide can also cause nerve damage.
Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Thalidomide. You should discuss with your doctor whether to continue the pregnancy. Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- burning
- numbness
- tingling in your arms, hands, feet or legs
- rash
- fever
- fast heart beat
- low blood pressure
- nausea
- edema
- irregular menstrual period
- blood sugar changes
Contact a personal injury attorney if you or your child was injured by Thalidomide.