What is the Red Devil?: Understanding the Nickname for Two Different Drugs
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3 min read
Over 2 million people in the United States were projected to receive a new cancer diagnosis in 2025, with some potentially undergoing treatment with the potent chemotherapy drug known as the 'What is the Red Devil?'. However, this evocative nickname also has a completely different and historical context within pharmacology, referencing a type of red-colored barbiturate once popular on the illicit drug market. This dual identity can lead to confusion, underscoring the importance of understanding the specific context when encountering the term.