IMPLICATIONS OF THALIDOMIDE USE

The Social and Developmental Implications of Thalidomide Use In North America and the Third World

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the social and developmental implications of Thalidomide in North America and Third World in a holistic concept. The main focus of the research is on Thalidomide and its impact on society in North America and Third World. The research also analyzes many aspects of Thalidomide while trying to gauge its effect on development of children. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for thalidomide along with describing the overall effect of Thalidomide on society as well as human development.

The Social and Developmental Implications of Thalidomide Use In North America and the Third World

Introduction

Let us understand the term “Thalidomide” before we talk about the effects of Thalidomide use in North America and Third World. In addition we will also see that when and why it was invented along with a brief history of it. “Thalidomide” is a sedative drug which was introduced in the late 1950s in Aachen, Germany. A huge controversy started when side effect of this drug started causing neuropathy (damage to the nerves of the nervous system) and teratogenocity (physical abnormality).Apart from teratogenic effects, other side effects include: constipation, drowsiness, nausea, increased appetite, rash, decreased thyroid activity, menstrual abnormalities and muscle weakness. In 46 countries, estimated more than 10,000 - 20,000 children were born with physical abnormality because of Thalidomide use. In 1960, Australian William McBride along with the German pediatrician, during research on birth defects found a link with Thalidomide. This was later on proved by Lenz in 1961. (Adler 1987)

By 1962 countries like UK, Germany Australia had withdrawn this drug from the market. Impact of Thalidomide was reduced in United Stated because pharmacologist Frances Oldham Kelsey who was also Managing Director of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) refused to approve the application from Richardson-Merrel Company to market Thalidomide in United States on the grounds that the drug needed further studies (Bower 1997). But unfortunately millions of tablets of Thalidomide had been distributed to the physicians in United States for clinical testing; therefore it was impossible to know how much effect it had done in this part of the world. From then onwards Unites States has been strict in approving new drugs. Before Thalidomide US used to approved more than 300 drugs each year, but after Thalidomide controversy US now only approves 20-30 drugs each year. Also, patients /physicians are enforced to go through special process in order to receive or prescribe Thalidomide so as to ensure that no more children are born with birth defects from medication. If the drug is taken during pregnancy then it can result in severe birth defects (Ewing 1994).

Now the drug has reemerged and tests are being conducted to seek the benefit of Thalidomide. A growing clinical interest in the use of Thalidomide has been seen. The drug is introduced as immunomodulatory agent primarily used which combined with “dexamethasone”, to treat ...