Medicines That Turned Out Toxic.

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Hey Poison Friends! I thought we could use an episode free from prions and other deadly viruses and diseases, so let's talk about some medications that turned out to be toxic. We have discussed how some toxins became useful in the world of medicine, so why not the other way around? While discussing this topic, I thought it would be informative to include some basics on what clinical trials look like (at least here in America).

I have had many requests for one drug in particular: Thalidomide. We did briefly discuss this one in a bonus episode, but I dug a little deeper and wanted to include how it affected food and drug acts in the countries it affected. While not approved in America during its time, samples were given out and there were quite a few still affected here. This particular drug led to some horrific birth defects as well as many of miscarriages and stillbirths.

Other medications we need to discuss include a couple of NSAIDs (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) called Vioxx and Bextra. These caused higher risks of heart attack and stroke, injuring and killing many who had taken them. Bextra was also linked to a higher risk for Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome, a serious skin condition that was painful and could lead to further complications.

Lastly, if you grew up in the 90s like we did, you'll remember the influx of amphetamine or caffeine based weight loss drugs. Some were prescribed but some were also over the counter. You could buy some "supplements" like these at any convenient store. One medication prescribed to patients was a combination drug, called Fen-Phen by many, and it caused pulmonary hypertension, proving fatal to some who took it and leaving others with longterm heart valve and respiratory problems.

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