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Dermatologic therapeutics: thalidomide. A practical guide
Author(s) -
Rosenbach M.,
Werth Victoria P.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
dermatologic therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1529-8019
pISSN - 1396-0296
DOI - 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2007.00132.x
Subject(s) - thalidomide , medicine , dermatology , clinical pharmacology , pharmacology , immunology , multiple myeloma
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introduced in the 1950s, and its widespread use led to thousands of birth defects through the 1960s; it was quickly withdrawn from the market.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.