Reasons Thalidomide Is No Longer Used to Overcome Morning Sickness

Thalidomide is a drug that has an immunomodulatory effect or affects the immune system. Can also be used as an anti-inflammatory. This drug is produced by a German pharmaceutical company and began to be sold freely in late 1950. It belongs to the non-barbiturate sedative class and is not addictive.

Thalidomide is used to treat headaches, insomnia, and depression. In addition, in pregnant women, it has been proven that this drug is effective in treating morning sickness symptoms. Because of its success, this drug was very famous in the 1950-1960. The world markets thalidomide under various brands and is declared safe for consumption.

As it progresses, many women who use thalidomide report experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. In addition, due to the high consumption of thalidomide in pregnant women to treat morning sickness, many cases of babies are born with various hereditary diseases. Initially, the relationship between these two things was rejected, until a study by two German and Australian researchers proved it.

Circulation of thalidomide as a drug for pregnant women began to be withdrawn from the world market in 1962. This drug has become a dark record in the medical world. The mechanism underlying fetal developmental disorders due to thalidomide use was not known until many years later.

Impact of thalidomide use on pregnant women

At that time, the use of thalidomide in pregnant women is generally done early in pregnancy, while the symptoms of morning sickness are very pronounced. The first trimester of pregnancy is also the most important period in the development of various fetal organs. This causes side effects related to thalidomide consumption which is usually heavy. The dose of thalidomide taken is enough to increase the risk of abnormalities in infants.

The main impact is the use of thalidomide on the fetus, which inhibits the development of limbs. Most occur bilaterally. This condition can occur in the arms or legs, even on all four limbs.

The most serious disorder resulting from the use of thalidomide is called phocomelia, a condition characterized by long bone malformations or by the lack of formation. In severe cases, the hands and feet can stick directly to the body. Other abnormalities can occur, from shortening the arms and legs to the untrained fingers.

In addition to the limbs, thalidomide also causes eye, ear, cardiovascular and kidney abnormalities. Bowel abnormalities can cause babies with esophageal, duodenal or anal atresia.

Up to 40% of infants with thalidomide exposure disorders die in the first year of life. Others survive and adapt to the conditions of the disorder they have.
 
Health problems when growing up
Although they can survive in adulthood, many people exposed to thalidomide suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, including back and shoulder pain, early osteoarthritis, and impaired joint mobility. . Pain is usually chronic, with moderate intensity and can occur in cases of recurrence or recurrence. Some also report tingling and numbness.

Congenital anomalies, especially at the extremity level, have a large impact on the quality of life and mental health of those affected. Because of the difficulties of carrying out daily activities, some people suffer from mental disorders in the form of depression and anxiety disorders.

Current use of thalidomide

Thalidomide is still used to some extent to treat skin lesions associated with leprosy erythema nodosum and skin cancer caused by multiple myeloma. This drug is also being researched to treat inflammatory conditions of lupus and Bechet's disease, oral lesions and HIV, cancer of the blood and bone marrow. So far, research has shown positive results.

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