| Abstract | Thalidomide was first introduced in the 1950s, and its widespread use led to thousands of birth defects through the 1960s; it was quickly withdrawn from the market. A fortuitous discovery identified during treatment of patients with erythema nodosum leprosum led to the recognition of the potent anti-inflammatory effects of thalidomide and a resurgence of interest in the drug. In the ensuing decades, thalidomide has been recognized as a potential treatment option in a number of dermatologic conditions. This article reviews the history, pharmacology, mechanisms of action, and off-label uses of thalidomide and serves as a guide for dermatologists to comfortably and safely institute and monitor thalidomide to patients with cutaneous disease. |
| Authors | M Rosenbach, Victoria P Werth
(Affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19119, USA.)
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| Journal | Dermatologic therapy
(Dermatol Ther)
2007 Jul-Aug
Vol. 20
Issue 4
Pg. 175-86
ISSN: 1396-0296 Denmark |
| PMID | 17970884
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
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| Chemical References |
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| Topics |
- Animals
- Humans
- Practice Guidelines as Topic
- Skin Diseases
(drug therapy)
- Thalidomide
(adverse effects, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
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