Does anyone know the drug that was out in the 1960's that the FDA recalled it was named something like paraquoi?

I think your mean Thalidomide (compound name). It was used to avoid nausea in pregnant women but in some years its teratogenicity was demonstrated (malformations in fetus). Its company spend a lot of millions in compensations. Now, a modification of the same compound has been found to cure a kind of leukemia, so theyre earning money again, but now healing people.

I agree with @jurassicnemesis and I think you are confusing it with paraquat which was used as an herbicide.

Thalidomide was never approved for use in the US by the FDA, it was largely only used in Europe, and was removed from all shelves by 1961, so assuming the OP’s timeline is right its not the drug you’re looking for. Also he said effect it had on pregnant women, and it had no effect on the women… it effected their unborn children.

Paraquat is toxic to EVERYONE, not just pregnant women.

Interestingly, thalidomide is somewhat effective at controlling nausea and acting as sedation for cancer patients undergoing treatment.

@tedd You are incorrect. The FDA has approved thalidomide for use in the US (for multiple myeloma, for a form of leprosy, for certain HIV-related conditions, etc.). As this is extremely teratogenic, there are a number of warnings for women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant.

@Kayak8 Yah it approved it in 1998…..... not the 1950’s or 60’s. I figured recent history would be ruled out because, well we’re talking about the 60’s.

@tedd Got it, thanks for the clarification!