Medicine and Drugs Flashcards
a) Why was thalidomide given to pregnant women years ago?
b) Why is thalidomide never given to pregnant women nowadays?
a) It was found to be useful for treating morning sickness.
b) It caused limb abnormalities in babies whose mothers were treated whilst pregnant.
What does ‘illegal’ mean?
It’s against the law
Name 2 very addictive drugs.
Cocaine and Heroin
What is meant by the term ‘recreational drugs’?
Drugs which are taken for pleasure rather than to cure disease or symptoms
Why do some athletes take steroids?
To build muscle or mass.
What is meant by a ‘double-blind trial’?
Neither the doctor nor the patient know who has got the drug or the placebo.
What condition is caused in many teenagers who smoke cannabis?
Depression - a mental health problem
What causes people to become addicted to drugs?
The drugs change the processes in the body.
Which parts of the body are affected by recreational drugs?
The brain nervous system and liver.
Why does the use of legal drugs in the UK produce more health problems than the use of illegal drugs?
More people take medicines and legal recreational drugs such as alcohol and tobacco as they are easily accessible all of the time.
What stages must a new frug pass through before it is sold as a medicine?
First tested on cells, tissues and organs; then on animals; then on healthy volunteers; finally patients.
Why do some people progress from smoking cannabis to using heroin?
The most likely reason is that the drug pushers offer them more expensive drugs when they but cannabis.
