Question

Which of the following is not an adverse effect of thalidomide?

• A. Diarrhoea
• B. Teratogenicity
• C. DVT
• D. Hypothyroidism

Hint:

Thalidomide slows the gut and causes constipation, not loose stools.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To answer this odd-one-out, recall the classic toxicity profile of thalidomide. Its place in medical history is sealed by severe teratogenicity, the limb-reduction deformity phocomelia, which forces strict pregnancy-prevention programmes for anyone taking it; that effect is genuine. Thalidomide is also strongly prothrombotic, so deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are frequent, especially in multiple myeloma regimens where it is paired with steroids or chemotherapy, prompting routine anticoagulant or aspirin prophylaxis; again a real effect. Endocrine surveillance is needed too, because the drug can induce hypothyroidism, a documented adverse reaction. The gastrointestinal effect of thalidomide, however, is CONSTIPATION arising from its sedative and anticholinergic-like actions, not diarrhoea. Since the stem wants the effect that does not belong, the loose-stool option is the exception. \[\boxed{\text{Diarrhoea}}\]