Bendectin was taken off the market in the United States in 1983 due to reports linking its first-trimester use to congenital malformations, commonly known as birth defects.
The Withdrawal of Bendectin
Prior to its withdrawal, Bendectin was a widely used medication, with an estimated 30 million women having taken it over a span of nearly 25 years to alleviate morning sickness during pregnancy. Despite its extensive use, concerns began to emerge regarding its safety.
The decision to cease its production in 1983 was a direct response to these increasing reports of birth defects associated with its use in the first trimester of pregnancy. Although the medication had been on the market for decades, the growing volume of such reports led to its eventual removal.
For more information on the history and context surrounding Bendectin, you can refer to overviews provided by reputable medical and scientific resources such as ScienceDirect Topics.
