An Unusual Adverse Drug Reaction to Thalidomide: A Case Report

Thalidomide has emerged as a novel antitumor drug with antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory properties. It was taken off the market in the early 1960s due to its infamous connection with congenital defects. Recently, the FDA approved thalidomide for treating erythema nodosum leprosum, adhering to strict guidelines and safety measures. Sensory peripheral neuropathy and teratogenicity, fatigue, vertigo, headache, gastrointestinal issues, skin eruptions, dizziness, galactorrhoea, decreased libido, and constitutional symptoms like fever, weakness, headaches, and weight loss are the main adverse effects of thalidomide.

We report a case of a 46-year-old female diagnosed with lepromatous leprosy on multibacillary multidrug therapy presenting with unusual adverse reactions, such as generalized burning sensation, breathlessness, and low backache after the intake of thalidomide.

We describe an unusual adverse reaction to thalidomide that has not previously been reported in the literature and aim to alert clinicians about the unusual, adverse reaction as an uncommon side effect of thalidomide and to always keep in mind if the patient develops any of these symptoms.