THALIDOMIDE DISASTER

Medical Mishaps

May 8

Written By

1957-1960s

In the unregulated market of the 1950s, Thalidomide was the perfect sleeping pill, safe enough to prescribe to pregnant women suffering from morning sickness. In Germany, the drug was even available without a prescription. This wonder drug was aggressively marketed under various brand names, such as Distaval, in the UK.

Thalidomide caused severe birth defects such as deformed or missing limbs, and deformed eyes, ears, and hearts. Worldwide, over 24,000 children were born with thalidomide-related disabilities, and half of them died shortly after birth. The Thalidomide disaster is the worst drug failure in history.

It is difficult to recognize that this terrible failed drug led to anything positive, but the horrific magnitude of the disaster led to strict regulation of the pharmaceutical industry in many countries. The heavy regulation of drug safety in the aftermath of Thalidomide has ultimately saved millions of lives.