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What is thalidomide prescribed for now?
In Britain, thalidomide has been used to treat brain cancer, kidney cancer and Kaposi’s sarcoma, a cancer involving the blood vessels of the skin. Its most potent effects were shown against multiple myeloma, an incurable disease where the aim of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and minimise side effects.
Is thalidomide a chemo drug?
Thalidomide is a type of targeted cancer drug (biological therapy). It is also known as Thalidomide Celgene. You might have it as a treatment for myeloma. You might have thalidomide on its own or with other cancer drugs.
Was thalidomide a tablet?
Thalidomide is a drug that was developed in the 1950s by the West German pharmaceutical company Chemie Grünenthal GmbH. It was originally intended as a sedative or tranquiliser, but was soon used for treating a wide range of other conditions, including colds, flu, nausea and morning sickness in pregnant women.
Is thalidomide a chemotherapy?
Is thalidomide a targeted therapy?
Thalidomide is a targeted therapy drug. It is used to treat myeloma. It may sometimes be used to treat other cancers.
Is thalidomide still prescribed?
In the UK thalidomide is only prescribed by a doctor under strict controls. Women taking thalidomide are required to use two forms of birth control and regular pregnancy tests. Men are required to use contraception when taking thalidomide.
Did the FDA approve thalidomide?
The drug thalidomide has a long FDA history. It was approved in Europe in 1957, but was rejected for approval in the United States because of concerns about neuropathy associated with use of the drug.
What conditions does thalidomide capsule treat?
It is used to treat multiple myeloma.
What were the benefits of thalidomide?
Thalidomide is also used to treat a certain type of cancer ( multiple myeloma ). It works in Hansen’s disease by reducing swelling and redness ( inflammation ). It also reduces the formation of blood vessels that feed tumors.
What was thalidomide used for originally?
Thalidomide was originally developed to treat morning sickness in pregnant women. Its use was stopped because it was found to cause birth defects. Thalidomide is now used as a treatment for cancer, but it must not be taken in pregnancy. A pregnancy prevention programme must be followed during treatment.