I found the NIH info here:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001053/
It's in in a capsule. The threat of contamination is really the risk of handling a broken or leaking capsule.
There are many more warnings and restrictions. You have to see a doctor every month to refill the prescription.
If you are a woman that can become pregnant, you have to use two forms of birth control 4 weeks before, during, and 4 weeks after treatment (or abstain entirely from sex).
While you are taking it, all of your bodily fluids are contaminated -- which means that everyone around you must take special precautions.
Ah, a liquidgel.
If you were a thalidomide patient and you spit on a pregnant woman — could you be convicted of the crime of mayhem?