1. Thalidomide

2. Thalidomide – the sleeping pill

3. Thalidomide was first synthesized in West Germany in 1953 by Chemie Grünenthal.
It was hailed as a "wonder drug" that provided a "safe, sound sleep".

4. However the drug was also found to cure morning sickness in pregnant women

5. Nausea vomiting in pregnancy NVP – 1st trimester ...(1/3)

6. Foetal development -
The first few weeks are a key period – any problems now will accumulate in the future

7. Nausea vomiting in pregnancy NVP – 1st trimester (1/3)
When do you think most women would be inclined to take this drug?

8. Side effects
unfortunately molecules of the thalidomide chemical crossed the placenta and disrupt the growth patterns of the growing foetus

9. Effect = catastrophic deformations of the baby– best seen as limb abnormalities.

10. …if this was you – how would your life be different?

13. Why did this happen?
Simple - the drug was not trialled or tested for this use on pregnant women

14. Thalidomide today
Initially the drug was banned internationally for the treatment of morning sickness
But it has now been reintroduced as a treatment for leprosy

15. Leprosy – bacterial infection of the skin and nerves endings
Affects the hands, feet and features of the face.

16. Leprosy

17. Make key notes on what we have discussed on this drug
Initial use
What it discovered to help
Side effects of untested use
What is it now used for

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