Thalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug and the prototype of the thalidomide class of drugs. Thalidomide has received regulatory approval in numerous countries as a treatment for multiple myeloma and erythema nodosum leprosum (a dermatologic complication of leprosy). Research also suggests that thalidomide is useful in treating complications of infection with HIV, such as wasting syndrome, nausea, and prurigo nodularis. Thalidomide has also been found to be effective in treating actinic prurigo, an autoimmune skin disease. Thalidomide has been used in chronic bullous dermatosis of childhood (CBDC) with encouraging results. Studies carried out in animal models have suggested the use of combined therapy with thalidomide and glucantime could have a therapeutic benefit in the treatment of visceral leshmaniasis.
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