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Thalidomide: meaning, definitions and examples

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thalidomide

 

[ θəˈlɪdəˌmaɪd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

pharmaceutical drug

Thalidomide is a medication that was originally developed in the late 1950s as a sedative and later used to treat morning sickness in pregnant women. However, it was withdrawn from the market due to severe birth defects caused by its use during pregnancy. In recent years, it has been reintroduced under strict regulations for the treatment of certain conditions such as leprosy and multiple myeloma.

Synonyms

anti-inflammatory drug, thalidomide medication

Examples of usage

  • The use of thalidomide in the 1960s led to a global health crisis.
  • Thalidomide is now used under special regulations to treat specific diseases.
  • Many patients with multiple myeloma benefit from thalidomide therapy.
  • Thalidomide's tragic history has influenced drug safety regulations.

Etymology

Thalidomide was first synthesized in West Germany by the pharmaceutical company Chemie Grünenthal in 1953, initially intended as a sedative. It became available as a prescription drug in 1957 and was marketed as a safe treatment for anxiety, insomnia, and morning sickness in pregnant women. Unfortunately, its use during pregnancy resulted in severe congenital disabilities in thousands of children, leading to its withdrawal from the market in the early 1960s. The thalidomide tragedy resulted in increased awareness and stricter regulations regarding drug testing and prescription. In the 1990s, it was discovered that thalidomide could be effective in treating certain medical conditions, particularly multiple myeloma and complications from leprosy, leading to its reintroduction under strict controls.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,024 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.