Kristie - You are correct, that is the drug. It apparently is being prescribed again - under very tight control - to treat Leprosy patients! Often when a drug prescribed for one use, additional benefits as well as side effects emerge. That is often when off-label uses begin.
It is difficult to find any real information regarding its off-label uses but here is how I THINK it applies to the off-label use of treating nerve pain/damage & RSD:
Thalidimide was prescribed in the 1950's as a sedative and for nausea in pregnant women. A major side effect (and cause of birth defects) can be Nerve Damage.
Fairly recently it was being given to cancer patients for their nausea. Soon after, it became apparant that it was improving the cancer patients severe pain as well.
Although they don't know how, it has also improved or REVERSED completely RSD & its symptoms in some patients.
There are super strict guidelines & controls in place regarding this drug & pregnancy. A female for whom it is impossible to become pregnant (uterus removed) can be an acceptable candidate for this drug.
I am trying to learn as much as I possibly can about its use for pain/RSD. I am hoping that perhaps someone who has personal experience - or knows someone who has, or has had a discussion with a doctor about it could provide more insight.
Any help is greatly appreciated!
At Sun, 20 Jul 2003, Kristie wrote:
>
>I thought Thadlidimide was taken off the market because of what it did
>to babies. Am I wrong?
>Kristie
>
>At Sat, 19 Jul 2003, Michelle wrote:
>>
>>Has anyone here tried Thalidimide/Brand name Thalomid for pain? I have
>>been able to find some technical info on the drug and a little bit about
>>its (off-label) use for neuropathic & RSD pain. I'm hoping that someone
>>here has (or knows someone who has) actually used it. Thank you in
>>advance for any info or opinion offered.
>>
>>--
>>Michelle
>>
>--
>Let's be good to ourselves....Kristie
>
-- Michelle