| Abstract: | Thalidomide shows a significant ability to eliminate painful mouth ulcers in HIV patients and is also effective in reversing wasting and clearing up severe diarrhea caused by microsporidiosis. However, the drug comes with several side effects. Side effects include peripheral neuropathy, neutropenia, sedation, rash, and a small but statistically significant rise in HIV viral loads. Many physicians are not using Thalidomide due to the publicity that was generated from the birth defects that it caused. Thalidomide is available free through a compassionate use program and through an Investigational New Drug (IND) protocol. Contact information is included for both of these programs. |
