Rheumatology drugs and pregnancy.
Medication exposure during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, is a common event that causes considerable concern among patients and healthcare professionals alike. Once the pregnancy is known, the response often consists in stopping or substantially diminishing the use of medications. Some medications are teratogenic and/or fetotoxic, requiring effective birth control and prior information of women of childbearing potential. Nevertheless, limiting the use of medications out of a sense of caution is warranted only if no major adverse impact on the mother is expected throughout the 9 months of the pregnancy. Treatment decisions during pregnancy should rest on a careful reappraisal of treatment practices and on an in-depth evaluation of the risk/benefit ratio of each medication. Here, we will discuss the main rheumatology drug classes whose use during pregnancy is most likely to cause concern.
Centre de référence sur les agents tératogènes, hôpital Trousseau, 26, avenue Dr-Netter, 75571 Paris cedex 12, France. elisabeth.elefant@trs.ap-hop-paris.fr
Elisabeth
E
Elefant
Marie-Pierre
MP
Cournot
Delphine
D
Beghin
Catherine
C
Vauzelle
D000328:Adult; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000187:drug effects / Q000196:embryology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018811:Maternal Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013723:Teratogens; D013997:Time Factors
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013723:Teratogens