Thalidomide: A Positive Use
Dean
I've always been fascinated by the drug thalidomide, which proponents of strict controls on drug companies often use as their favorite example of why we absolutely need the strictest possible rules about drugs being released to the general public. I find it fascinating on multiple levels, not least being that it's been over a half-century since that drug was banned and it's still everyone's favorite example.
While I take no strong position one way or the other, I find it fascinating that we're discovering possible positive uses for dangerous drugs. And, in looking at that, I think: shouldn't this serve as a reminder that practically any drug may be useful and practically any drug is dangerous?
I don't normally agree with you when you delve into scientific stuff, but here is an obvious case of hysteria overwhelming reason in application of science. I had to clear the cobwebs to remember OChem from a decade ago and a class session we had on this. This drug could be pretty effectively controlled by our current scheme of prescription meds where a big red sign says to the doctor "Do not prescribe to women of child-bearing age, regardless of whether they are pregnant or not". Then it could be freed up for use for a lot of conditions or diseases where it is desperately needed.
I could be wrong, since it's been literally years since I read about this, but it's interesting if true.
Yep - I personally knew 3 people who died from normally therapeutic doses of tylenol. Millions take it safely every day - but I just can't take the stuff. No acetaminophen in my house.
Irrational? Of course.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.