• Question: what is thalidomide? (sorry if spelt wrong)-

    Asked by stephthegreat to Cathal, Daphne, Darren, Jon, Katherine on 13 Mar 2012. This question was also asked by esmethegreat.
    • Photo: Katherine Haxton

      Katherine Haxton answered on 13 Mar 2012:

      Its a medicine that used to be given to pregnant women to stop morning sickness symptoms. It can’t be used for that anymore as it caused their children to be born with underdeveloped arms and legs, and other problems.
      Thalidomide is a compound that has two possible shapes and only one causes problems with babies. It’s now being investigated as it might be good for treating certain other diseases like cancer.

Comments