THALIDOMIDE

noun. a drug posited into the U.S. as an immunosuppressant for remediation of cutaneous developments of erythema nodosum leposum. A derivative of glutethimide, it was initially utilized to remedy anxiety and nausea during pregnancy until its correlation with serious, life-threatening birth defects came to be known. Many fetal irregularities, inclusive of irregular limb growth and neurological, cardiac, and gastrointestinal deficits were typical, and the drug was withdrawn. Prescription requires special training by doctors and pharmacists, and must not be ingested by pregnant women; both men and women who are using it must adhere to the many mandatory conditions and contraceptive use. Its mechanism of action is unclear. U.S. brand name: Thalomid.