The 1970s was a decade of significant medical advancements. However, some medications from that era have since been pulled from the market due to safety concerns. Here’s a look at 20 of those drugs and more information about them thrown in for good measure.
Fenfluramine
Once used for weight loss, Fenfluramine was linked to heart valve damage. Doctors initially hailed it as a miracle drug. Surprisingly, it took years before its harmful effects were fully understood. By the late 1990s, it was clear the risks outweighed the benefits, leading to its recall in 1997.
Thalidomide
Known for causing congenital disabilities, Thalidomide was initially used as a sedative and to treat morning sickness. It was shocking how widely it was prescribed despite limited testing. Many countries banned it by the early 1960s, but its legacy carried into the 1970s. Thankfully, stricter drug testing protocols were established in its wake.
Rofecoxib (Vioxx)
Marketed as a pain reliever, Rofecoxib was withdrawn in 2004 after being linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Funny how it took a while for such severe side effects to come to light. It serves as a reminder of the importance of long-term drug studies. Patients and doctors were caught off guard by the recall.
Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
DES was prescribed to pregnant women to prevent miscarriages but led to a higher risk of cancer in their children. Hard to believe it was once considered safe. By the early 1970s, studies revealed the disturbing consequences. The drug was subsequently withdrawn from use in 1971.
Phenacetin
Used as a painkiller, Phenacetin was eventually linked to kidney damage and cancer. For years, it was a staple in many households. Its recall in 1983 highlighted the long-term dangers of seemingly benign medications. Consumers had to switch to safer alternatives.
Troglitazone (Rezulin)
Troglitazone, an anti-diabetic drug, was withdrawn after causing liver failure in some patients. The irony is that it was initially praised for its effectiveness. The recall in 2000 came as a shock to many. Patients had to find other ways to manage their diabetes.
Cerivastatin (Baycol)
Cerivastatin, used to lower cholesterol, was withdrawn in 2001 after being linked to fatal muscle breakdown. It’s scary to think about the potential dangers of medications we trust. The recall served as a wake-up call about the importance of monitoring side effects. Many patients had to switch to alternative statins.
Phenylpropanolamine (PPA)
Commonly found in over-the-counter cold medications, PPA was linked to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Who knew a common cold remedy could be so dangerous? The FDA recommended its removal from the market in 2000. It prompted a significant change in how cold medicines were formulated.
Astemizole (Hismanal)
Astemizole, an antihistamine, was withdrawn due to its potential to cause fatal heart arrhythmias. It’s alarming how some drugs can have such severe side effects. The 1999 recall underscored the need for vigilance in monitoring drug safety. Patients had to find safer alternatives for allergy relief.
Mibefradil (Posicor)
Used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain, Mibefradil was withdrawn in 1998 due to dangerous interactions with other medications. How these interactions weren't spotted sooner is a bit of a puzzle. The recall highlighted the complexities of drug interactions. Patients were advised to consult their doctors for alternative treatments.
Terfenadine (Seldane)
Terfenadine, another antihistamine, was linked to serious heart problems and was withdrawn in 1997. Amazing how a medication meant to help with allergies could cause such harm. Patients had to be cautious about switching medications, and the recall prompted the development of safer antihistamines.
Alosetron (Lotronex)
Alosetron was used for irritable bowel syndrome. In November 2000, the treatment was withdrawn from the market due to postmarketing adverse events, including severe constipation complications, some of which were fatal. Yikes! It was reintroduced in June 2002 with a REMS program to ensure safe use.
Pemoline (Cylert)
Pemoline, used to treat ADHD, was withdrawn in 2005 after being linked to liver toxicity. It's unsettling how long it remained on the market despite these risks. The recall forced many patients to find alternative treatments. It serves as a reminder to regularly review medication safety.
Bromfenac (Duract)
Bromfenac, a phenylacetic acid derivative, was removed from the U.S. market in 1998. This decision came after several reports of severe liver toxicity, including cases of acute liver failure that necessitated liver transplants or resulted in death.
Trovafloxacin (Trovan)
Trovafloxacin was withdrawn in 1999 after being linked to severe liver damage or hepatotoxic potential, surprising many with how potent some antibiotics can be. The recall underscored the need for careful monitoring of antibiotic side effects. Patients had to rely on alternative antibiotics for their treatments.
Rimonabant (Acomplia)
Marketed for weight loss, Rimonabant was withdrawn in 2008 due to psychiatric side effects, including psychiatric disorders like depression. How ironic that a drug intended to improve health had such dire consequences. The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) determined the risks outweighed the benefits.
Cisapride (Propulsid)
Cisapride, used for gastroesophageal reflux disease, was withdrawn due to heart arrhythmias. It was surprising how a digestive aid could cause such serious issues. Janssen Pharmaceutica Inc., based in Titusville, New Jersey, ceased marketing cisapride (Propulsid) in the United States in 2000. This voluntary decision allowed patients and physicians sufficient time to explore alternative treatments.
Gatifloxacin (Tequin)
Gatifloxacin, an antibiotic, was withdrawn in 2006 due to severe blood sugar abnormalities, specifically cases of hypo- and hyperglycemia. It mainly affected elderly diabetic patients using oral hypoglycemics. Similar effects can occur with other fluoroquinolones, leading some to suggest it may be a class effect.
Rosiglitazone (Avandia)
Used to treat diabetes, Rosiglitazone was restricted in 2010 after being linked to heart attacks. It's shocking how a diabetes medication could harm the heart. The restriction emphasized the need for careful cardiovascular monitoring in diabetic patients. Many turned to alternative diabetes treatments.
Efalizumab (Raptiva)
Efalizumab (Raptiva) is no longer available, as it was withdrawn from the market in 2009. Genentech decided to cancel it after discovering that its use was associated with an increased risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare and typically fatal central nervous system disease.