Unsolved:List of thalidomide side effects

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Adverse effects by frequency:[1][2]

Note that teratogenicity is not discussed here as it is not considered a side effect. For information regarding birth defects, see thalidomide.

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

  • Somnolence (drowsiness; ~40%)
  • Edema (~60%)
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Headache
  • Haematuria (blood in the urine)
  • Arthralgia (joint pain)
  • Myalgia (muscle aches)
  • Increased bilirubin
  • Neutropenia (~30%)
  • Leucopenia (~15-40%)
  • Lymphopenia
  • Constipation
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Dizziness
  • Paraesthesia
  • Dysaesthesia


Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Vomiting
  • Dry mouth
  • Toxic skin eruption
  • Dry skin
  • Rash
  • Urticaria (hives)
  • Pyrexia (fever)
  • Asthenia
  • Interstitial lung disease
  • Heart failure
  • Depression
  • Pneumonia


Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

  • Shortness of breath
  • Tremor

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

  • Increased appetite
  • Bradycardia (low heart rate)
  • Tachycardia (high heart rate)
  • Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Malaise
  • Deep vein thrombosis


Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)


† Peripheral neuropathy may be irreversible and usually results from chronic (usually a matter of months) exposure to thalidomide.[2]

References