UK timeline, part 2 of 10

NHS medicines that went from accepted to dangerous

Medicines used in Britain that were later withdrawn or restricted, from thalidomide to Vioxx and valproate.

This timeline is a starting catalogue. Unlike our fact-checked cases, each entry has not yet been checked against primary sources. Not every case involves dishonesty: many are honest changes as evidence improved.

Thalidomide 1958–1961

Safety reversal

Promoted as a relatively safe sedative and used for morning sickness, it was withdrawn after severe birth defects emerged.

Read our fact-checked case

Primodos pregnancy tests 1960s–1970s

Safety reversal

Hormonal pregnancy tests were withdrawn from use amid safety concerns and the availability of alternative testing methods; the causal role in alleged birth defects remains disputed.

DES treatment in pregnancy 1950s–1970s

Safety reversal

A hormone used in attempts to prevent miscarriage was abandoned after evidence of serious harm.

Practolol heart medicine 1970s

Safety reversal

This beta-blocker was withdrawn after serious eye, skin and other adverse reactions.

Opren arthritis drug 1982

Safety reversal

Benoxaprofen was withdrawn after reports of severe, sometimes fatal adverse effects, particularly in elderly patients.

Co-proxamol painkillers 2005–2007

Safety reversal

A widely used painkiller was withdrawn from routine UK licensing because of overdose toxicity and its risk-benefit balance.

Vioxx 2004

Safety reversal

The painkiller was removed from the UK market after increased cardiovascular risk became apparent.

Avandia diabetes medicine 2010

Safety reversal

Rosiglitazone was suspended in Europe following cardiovascular safety concerns.

Reductil slimming pills 2010

Safety reversal

Sibutramine was withdrawn because of increased cardiovascular risks.

Acomplia slimming drug 2008

Safety reversal

Rimonabant was withdrawn after evidence of psychiatric adverse effects.

Baycol/Lipobay cholesterol medicine 2001

Safety reversal

Cerivastatin was withdrawn after reports of potentially fatal muscle damage.

Troglitazone diabetes medicine 1997

Safety reversal

Its UK authorisation was suspended following serious liver toxicity concerns.

Temazepam capsules 1990s

Safety reversal

Restrictions followed serious harms associated with misuse and injection of certain formulations.

Methadone prescribing safety 1990s–2000s

Changed evidence

Policy increasingly incorporated supervised consumption and safeguards against diversion and overdose.

Valproate during pregnancy 2010s–2020s

Safety reversal

Strengthened restrictions followed recognition of major fetal developmental risks.

Topiramate in pregnancy 2024

Safety reversal

UK regulators introduced tighter controls because of risks to babies exposed during pregnancy.

Codeine for children 2013 onwards

Safety reversal

UK regulators restricted its use after recognition of unpredictable metabolism and potentially fatal breathing problems.

Domperidone 2014

Safety reversal

Previously widely used for nausea, its indications and doses were restricted over cardiac risks.

Strontium ranelate 2013–2014

Safety reversal

Osteoporosis prescribing was heavily restricted after cardiovascular and other safety concerns.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics 2019–2024

Safety reversal

UK prescribing was increasingly restricted after reports of potentially disabling, long-lasting adverse reactions.

The National Archives records that thalidomide was prescribed by NHS and private doctors before its withdrawal in November 1961, and describes how it had been marketed as remarkably safe.

Last reviewed: 12 November 2026.