Thalidomide, sold under the brand names Contergan, Thalomid among others, is a medication used to treat a number of cancers (including multiple myeloma), graft-versus-host disease, and a number of skin conditions including complications of leprosy.  It is administered orally.

Common side effects include sleepiness, rash, and dizziness. Severe side effects include tumor lysis syndrome, blood clots, and peripheral neuropathy. Use in pregnancy may harm the fetus, including resulting in malformation of the limbs. In males who are taking the medication, contraception is essential if a partner could become pregnant. 

Thalidomide was first marketed in 1957 in West Germany, where it was available over the counter. When first released, thalidomide was promoted for anxiety, trouble sleeping, "tension", and morning sickness. While it was initially thought to be safe in pregnancy, concerns regarding birth defects arose until in 1961 the medication was removed from the market in Europe. The total number of infants affected by use during pregnancy is estimated at 10,000, of which about 40% died around the time of birth. Those who survived had limb, eye, urinary tract, and heart problems. 

It was approved for use as a treatment for cancer in the United States in 1998. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication.

Here are my observations:

1. The problem with pregnancy was discovered quite early and led to removal of the drug within 4 years. This is not a "long term effect".

2. Some 10,000 babies were affected. I am not able to find how many people used the drug, but it appears to be by the tens of millions. 

3. Thalidomide is now approved for the treatment of cancer.

The mRNA vaccine has been used for the past year. Several billion doses have already been used. Any serious side effect would have manifested by now. So far, the medical authorities are still confident that the vaccine is safe. 

My uncommon sense tells me that there is no need to be concerned about the "long term effect" of the mRNA vaccine. 

I expect that the mRNA technology will be used for the treatment of cancer.  This has been a long term challenge for medical science. We should support this research. 

If I have cancer and there is a nRNA treatment, I would opt for it. It is better than avoiding it for fear of the negative effect. 

Tan Kin Lian