Bendectin

Bendectin, (known as Debendox® in the UK) is a mixture of pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6), and doxylamine, is a drug prescribed to treat nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness. It was voluntarily removed from the market in 1983 by its manufacturer, Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, following numerous lawsuits alleging that it caused birth defects. These lawsuits were largely unfounded, however, as the rate of birth defects in the general population did not increase prior to drug release or decrease following its removal. In the general population about 3% of babies are born with congenital defects. There was an overwhelming body of evidence at the time and which continues accumulating to this day that Bendectin does not cause birth defects. The most famous case involving the drug is Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals (1993), which left lasting implications for the way science is used in the courtroom. The Supreme Court ruled that judges had the responsibility to keep junk science out of the courtroom.

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The drug has recently resurfaced and is currently marketed under the same name.

See also

Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals

Daubert standard

• Project on Scientific Knowledge and Public Policy (SKAPP) website, collection of original documents and commentary on the Daubert standard and the use of science in public policy.

• [1] Personal website on Debandox and how it has affected one young womans life.