Which Drug Causes Phocomelia?

The most well-known cause of phocomelia is the use of a drug called thalidomide during pregnancy. Thalidomide was once marketed as a safe drug for pregnancy. It was used for treating anxiety and morning sickness. Thalidomide supposedly cured depression, gastritis, and insomnia.

Which drug causes phocomelia as a teratogenesis?

Phocomelia remains the most striking limb deformity caused by thalidomide, and remains the stereotypical image of thalidomide embryopathy. Phocomelia occurs through a severe shortening of the limb/s, due to proximal elements (long bones) being reduced or missing and leaving distal elements (handplate) in place.

What causes babies to be born with seal limbs?

Phocomelia is a condition that involves malformations of human arms and legs. Although many factors can cause phocomelia, the prominent roots come from the use of the drug thalidomide and from genetic inheritance.

Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.