Question

Thalidomide resulted in tragic epidemic of birth defects because,

• A. Previously it was harmless but became harmful due to mutations
• B. Teratogenic effects may not become apparent until many thousands of women consume a particular drug
• C. Was toxic only in higher dose
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B Teratogenic effects may not become apparent until many thousands of women consume a particular drug

• Teratogens are drugs, chemicals, or even infections that can cause abnormal fetal development.
• Thalidomide was a widely used drug in the late 1950s and early 1960s for the treatment of nausea in pregnant women.
• Later, thalidomide usage resulted in severe birth defect
• Hence, thalidomide resulted in a tragic epidemic of birth defect because Teratological effects may not become apparent until many thousands of women consume a particular drug
• So, the correct answer is 'Teratogenic effects may not become apparent until many thousands of women consume a particular drug'.