Drug of the Week Series - 15.1

General
1

Case scenario

A 62-year-old man has been taking thalidomide for multiple myeloma for four months. During his follow-up visit, he complains of numbness and tingling in both feet, making it difficult to walk.

What Adverse effect is most likely responsible??

  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Acute renal failure
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Peptic ulcer disease
0 voters

Challenge Question

A negative pregnancy test before starting thalidomide eliminates the need for contraception during treatment.

A) True
B) False

Share your answers

MBH/PS

6 Likes
2

False. A negative pregnancy test does not eliminate the need for contraception.

1 Like
3

False. Thalidomide cause severe fetal birth defects, so it’s essential the patient remains on the contraceptive even after stopping thalidomide.

4

False, as thalidomide treatment should avoided completely for pregnant women at any stage. Even after pregnancy test is negative, to continue this treatment contraception is important for sexually active women.

1 Like
5

It’s a false statement. Thalidomide causes limb malformations in newborns. So it is strictly prohibited in pregnancy.

6

False. Contraception is required as pregnancy can occur even after the treatment starts and thalidomide can cause birth defects.

7

Thalidomide is strictly prohibited in pregnancy. It doesn’t guarantee contraception.

8

False , A negative pregnancy test only proves the patient isn’t pregnant at that moment but it can’t prevent conception afterward. Since thalidomide disrupts fetal limb and blood vessel development even at very low doses during the critical window (day 20–36), contraception is still mandatory throughout treatment, alongside repeated pregnancy testing — the two work together, not as substitutes for each other.

1 Like
9

False, a negative pregnancy test is required before starting the treatment but that doesn’t mean to eliminate contraception during treatment.Effective contraception should be used before, during the treatment and a period after stopping the thalidomide treatment

2 Likes
10

False, it can cause birth defects so it is strictly prohibited in pregnancy and also it can’t guarantee contraception

1 Like
11

False .Thalidomide causes severe birth defects

1 Like
12

False. Because thalidomide causes fetal defects during pregnancy and is strictly prohibited.

1 Like
13

False

1 Like