Is there a treatment for thalidomide?

With strict regulations and precautions, thalidomide is now approved by the FDA for the treatment of erythema nodosum leprosum. Its role in cancer therapy is promising, with clinical trials in the past 5 years showing significant activity in multiple myeloma.

How was thalidomide administered?

Thalidomide comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Thalidomide is usually taken with water once a day at bedtime and at least 1 hour after an evening meal. If you are taking thalidomide to treat ENL, your doctor may tell you to take it more than once a day, at least 1 hour after meals.

How can thalidomide be prevented?

In an effort to prevent fetal exposures to thalidomide, the FDA mandated a comprehensive programme to regulate prescription, dispensing and use of the drug. The programme is designed to require registration of all participating prescribers, pharmacies and patients.

How was thalidomide tested?

Thalidomide and pregnancy And in the case of thalidomide, no tests were done involving pregnant women. As the drug was traded under so many different names in 49 countries, it took five years for the connection between thalidomide taken by pregnant women and the impact on their children to be made.

Does thalidomide cause hair loss?

While thalidomide has been associated with various adverse effects, including thromboembolism, myelosuppression, peripheral neuropathy, dizziness, somnolence, bradycardia, constipation and dermatological reactions such as mild-to-severe rash, dry skin, acne, alopecia and brittle nails, there have been no reports to …

How does thalidomide make you feel?

Thalidomide can make you feel very sleepy and drowsy. To help prevent feeling like this during the day you should take it before going to bed. This drug can also make you feel as though you have no energy or strength and feel weak, but this is less common.