thalidomide
a TERATOGENIC drug that was formerly prescribed for treatment of MORNING SICKNESS in PREGNANCY .It was withdrawn when it was discovered that it caused developmental damage to the FOETUS , particularly malformation of limbs.
Thalidomide is used along with dexamethasone to treat multiple myeloma in people who have been recently found to have this disease. It is also used alone or with other medications to treat and prevent skin symptoms of erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL; episodes of skin sores, fever, and nerve damage that occur in people with Hansen's disease [leprosy]). Thalidomide is in a class of medications called immunomodulatory agents. It treats multiple myeloma by strengthening the immune system to fight cancer cells. It treats ENL by blocking the action of certain natural substances that cause swelling.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking thalidomide affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
A small study of people with inflammatory bowel disease found that treatment with thalidomide may lower the number of eggs in the ovaries, which could make it harder to get pregnant. Studies have not been done to see if thalidomide affects fertility in men. Anyone with questions about fertility and thalidomide should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking thalidomide increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. Studies suggest that if a person takes thalidomide during pregnancy, there is an increased chance of miscarriage. A healthcare provider can discuss what this means for an individual situation.
Does taking thalidomide increase the risk of birth defects?
The fact sheet explains that thalidomide is well known to increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk of about 3%. When taken early in pregnancy (around 20–36 days after conception, or 34–50 days after the last menstrual period), there is at least a 20% (1 in 5) chance of birth defects, which can include very short or missing arms and legs, missing parts of the ears, hearing loss, eye differences, facial paralysis, and heart, kidney, genital, or gastrointestinal defects. The chance of birth defects if thalidomide is taken after the first trimester is unknown. These risks should be discussed in detail with a healthcare provider.
Can taking thalidomide during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
According to studies, exposure to thalidomide in pregnancy has been linked to poor fetal growth. It is not known whether thalidomide increases the chance of other complications such as preterm delivery (birth before 37 weeks). A healthcare provider can talk through monitoring options during pregnancy.
Can taking thalidomide during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
Long-term studies of thalidomide exposure during pregnancy have been done in children born with physical birth defects; some of these children have intellectual disabilities or other conditions such as autism. It is not known if or how thalidomide might affect behavior or learning in children who were exposed but not born with physical birth defects. There are no tests during pregnancy that can predict effects on future behavior or learning, so any concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking thalidomide?
Thalidomide has not been studied for use in breastfeeding, but based on its chemical properties it is expected to pass into breast milk and might cause drowsiness in a breastfed infant; exact effects are unknown. The product label recommends not using thalidomide while breastfeeding, although in some situations the benefits of treatment may outweigh possible risks. A healthcare provider can help weigh these considerations for an individual situation.
Source: National Library of Medicine
thalidomide