12. Thalidomide
Introduced in the late 1950s as a sedative and treatment for morning sickness, thalidomide was withdrawn from the market in 1961 after it was linked to severe birth defects, including limb malformations, in thousands of children worldwide. The tragedy led to stricter drug approval processes and the establishment of more rigorous safety standards. Despite its history, thalidomide has been repurposed for certain medical conditions, such as leprosy and multiple myeloma, under strict regulations to prevent exposure during pregnancy (britannica.com).
