Pregnancy and Medicine

 

What Medicine Are Not Recommended in Pregnancy?

There are many medications that are not safe to use during pregnancy because of their potential risks they may pose to the developing fetus or baby. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to tell your doctor that you are pregnant or expecting. I have gathered some for you but keep in mind that these are the formula names rather than a brand name, so you need to check them before to use. 

How can I check this formula? That is pretty much simple, what you need to look the medicine box below the brand name. 

Remember pregnancy is a special gift and you need to take care the most you can. If you have issue of polycystic ovaries, you can read https://zarposh.blogspot.com/2023/01/pcos.html

Below are some medicines you need to avoid them strictly.

Accutane (isotretinoin): This medication is used to treat severe acne but is known to cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. It works by decreasing the production of oil in the skin and can be very effective in treating severe cases of acne. Accutane has been associated with several serious birth defects, including malformations of the face, skull, ears, eyes, heart, and brain. The risk of these birth defects is greatest during the first trimester of pregnancy, and the risk remains high throughout the entire pregnancy. For this reason, it's very important that women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant do not take Accutane. Women who are taking Accutane should use effective birth control methods while taking the medication and for at least one month after stopping it. They should also have regular pregnancy tests to ensure they are not pregnant while taking the medication.

If a woman becomes pregnant while taking Accutane, she should stop taking the medication immediately and contact her healthcare provider.

Thalidomide: Thalidomide is a medication that was originally developed as a sedative and anti-nausea medication, but it is now primarily used to treat certain types of cancer and other conditions such as leprosy, and multiple myeloma. However, thalidomide can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Thalidomide is known to cause severe birth defects in the developing fetus, particularly limb malformations. It is estimated that up to 10% of infants exposed to thalidomide in utero will have limb malformations. Thalidomide can also cause other birth defects such as heart defects, ear malformations, and eye malformations.

For this reason, thalidomide is contraindicated in pregnancy and women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take thalidomide. Women who are taking thalidomide should use effective birth control methods while taking the medication and for at least four weeks after stopping it. They should also have regular pregnancy tests to ensure they are not pregnant while taking the medication.

If a woman becomes pregnant while taking thalidomide, she should stop taking the medication immediately and contact her healthcare provider. 

Retinoids: Retinoids are a class of medications that are derived from vitamin A and are used to treat a variety of skin conditions such as acne and wrinkles. Some examples of retinoids include Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene, and others. They can be applied topically or taken orally.

Retinoids have been associated with birth defects if taken during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester when the fetus's major organs are forming. These birth defects can include malformations of the face, skull, ears, eyes, heart, and brain.

For this reason, retinoids are generally not recommended for use during pregnancy, and women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should avoid using them. Women who are taking retinoids should use effective birth control methods while taking the medication and for at least one month after stopping it. They should also have regular pregnancy tests to ensure they are not pregnant while taking the medication.

Certain antibiotics: Some antibiotics such as Tetracyclines, Sulfonamides, and others can cause birth defects or other problems if taken during pregnancy.

Certain anti-seizure medications: Some anti-seizure medications such as valproic acid, carbamazepine, and phenytoin can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Certain antidepressants: Some antidepressants such as paroxetine and fluoxetine may increase the risk of birth defects and other problems if taken during pregnancy.

It's important to tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before starting any medication. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking a particular medication and suggest alternative treatments if necessary.

Is there any food need to avoid in pregnancy?