Thalidomide usage in Wales: the need to follow guidelines.

Abstract

Thalidomide is a potentially useful drug for several dermatological disorders. To assess prescribing and monitoring practices for this drug in Wales. A questionnaire was completed by 17 of 19 consultant dermatologists concerning thalidomide usage in Wales (population 2.93 million). Eleven of the 17 respondents had used thalidomide in 40 patients. Only two consultants gave information leaflets and only five obtained written consent. Four obtained baseline nerve conduction studies and nine obtained these during therapy. Of seven women of child-bearing age currently taking thalidomide, none had had baseline pregnancy tests. We describe variability in prescribing practices for thalidomide. Published guidelines are reviewed and suggestions made concerning consent forms, pregnancy testing, nerve conduction studies and patient information.