Which medication is associated with the S.T.E.P.S. REMS program?

The S.T.E.P.S. REMS program is specifically associated with thalidomide, which was initially used as a sedative and later withdrawn from the market due to its teratogenic effects leading to severe birth defects when used during pregnancy. The acronym S.T.E.P.S. stands for "System for Thalidomide Education and Prescribing Safety." This REMS program was established to mitigate the risk associated with thalidomide by ensuring that it is only prescribed to patients who are enrolled in the program and are not pregnant.

The program includes requirements such as verifying that prescribing physicians are certified in the program, ensuring patients understand the risks, and implementing measures to prevent fetal exposure. Because thalidomide has severe consequences if prescribed improperly, the S.T.E.P.S. program plays a crucial role in patient safety and responsible distribution of the medication.

Other medications mentioned in the options have their own risk management strategies but are associated with different REMS programs. For instance, clozapine is managed under a different risk management system due to agranulocytosis risk, and alosetron has its own strict prescribing requirements due to gastrointestinal risks. Levonorgestrel, as an emergency contraceptive, does not