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What are those papers that come inside my medicine boxes? 
Do I really have to read them?
In October 1957, a new over-the-counter (OTC) medicine #thalidomide was introduced in Germany
and it was supposed to cure morning sickness during pregnancy 
#AskLwanda
Do I really have to read them?
In October 1957, a new over-the-counter (OTC) medicine #thalidomide was introduced in Germany
and it was supposed to cure morning sickness during pregnancy #AskLwanda
The following year, thousands of babies were born with severe birth defects (brain damage, deformed limbs). 
In 1961, doctors proved a link between the birth defects & the drug & it was pulled off the shelves.
However, almost 40% of the babies affected lost their lives.
In 1961, doctors proved a link between the birth defects & the drug & it was pulled off the shelves.
However, almost 40% of the babies affected lost their lives.
Have you seen those #JamesBond #Spy movies where they pour #chloroform onto a cloth then use it to render the next person unconscious by placing it over their mouth/nose?
In 1847 this was a common ingredient in cough mixtures
& said to relieve #asthma symptoms.
In 1847 this was a common ingredient in cough mixtures
& said to relieve #asthma symptoms.
Obviously people died.
They died even when it was used as an anesthetic but it was still used in mouthwashes and ointments.
It was only prohibited for human consumption in 1976 after causing cancer in lab animals.
#asklwanda #ContextOfTime #goodolddays #medicine #drugs
They died even when it was used as an anesthetic but it was still used in mouthwashes and ointments.
It was only prohibited for human consumption in 1976 after causing cancer in lab animals.
#asklwanda #ContextOfTime #goodolddays #medicine #drugs
Cocaine used to be given to children to relieve toothache. This was around the year 1880.
It was available over-the-counter (OTC)
The long term SEs were disrupted eating & sleeping patterns, psychotic delusions & hallucinations. #AskLwanda
It was available over-the-counter (OTC)
The long term SEs were disrupted eating & sleeping patterns, psychotic delusions & hallucinations. #AskLwanda
Have you ever been told to smoke cigarettes 
to cure your #asthma?
Around 1850’s, this was the narrative from Dr Henry Salter who believed that asthma was caused by nervousness or excitement.
to cure your #asthma? Around 1850’s, this was the narrative from Dr Henry Salter who believed that asthma was caused by nervousness or excitement.
He recommended taking tobacco as well as sedatives like #chloroform & stramonium to relive & suppress lung irritation.
Now we know that smoking makes asthma worse and can actually trigger an asthma attack.
It DOES NOT relive it. #AskLwanda
Now we know that smoking makes asthma worse and can actually trigger an asthma attack.
It DOES NOT relive it. #AskLwanda
