8 Medications You Should Not Take During Pregnancy

As pregnancy medication rules undergo a constant change, it feels overwhelming to understand what you need to do while feeling sick. So the basic rule to take medicines during pregnancy is to always ask your medical associate. But even then, you won’t get the exact answer because scientists cannot perform drug tests ethically on pregnant people. So, it is not accurate to state that a particular medication is hundred percent safe for the person who has a developing baby inside their womb.

Previously, medications got assigned to five letter categories on the basis of the risk level. While Category A was popular as the safest category, Category X was the category of medicines to avoid for pregnant people. Here are the medications that fall under category X. Even today, it’s better to avoid these medicines during pregnancy.

Absorica (Isotretinoin)

This is an acne medication that should not be used by pregnant people or those who want to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking isotretinoin, you have a very high chance of having a child with serious birth abnormalities. You can only take Absorica after you show proof or reliable birth control methods. Only then will you be able to obtain this medication.

Arthrotec

This is used for joint pain due to rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Arthrotec comprises misoprostol and diclofenac that can cause premature birth, birth defects, and abortion.

Migranal

This is used for treating migraine headaches. But it is one of the medicines to avoid during pregnancy. Dihydroergotamine is oxytocic, so it can cause uterine contractions and the uterus’ increased tone. It becomes dangerous for pregnant people.

Coumadin

This is a blood thinner used for the treatment or prevention of clots in veins, lungs, heart, or arteries. As it crosses the placenta, serious foetal abnormalities get reported following the early trimester exposure. For people who are on warfarin and plan to conceive, switching over to Lovenox is a recommendable solution.

Soriatane

Soriatane helps in the treatment of chronic psoriasis. Acitretin should not be used by pregnant people or those who intend to become pregnant while undergoing therapy. It is also applicable for people who have discontinued therapy recently or three years ago. People using Soriatane in their reproductive age must prove that they are using a form of contraception during treatment.

Restoril (Temazepam)

This is the benzodiazepine used to treat insomnia. It is thought that all benzodiazepines cross the placenta and increase the risk of premature delivery besides low birth weight.

Danocrine (Danazol)

This is used to treat endometriosis as well as breast tenderness or pain caused by fibrocystic breast disease. Danazol has the potential to cause androgenic (male hormone) consequences in the female fetus.

Lupron (Leuprolide)

This is the injectable used to treat endometriosis and uterine fibroids; however, it is not safe for pregnant people. Although leuprolide typically prevents ovulation and menstruation, it must be taken in combination with the non-hormonal contraceptive.

These are the medicines to avoid during pregnancy. For more information on medicines during pregnancy, reach out to Rite Choice Pharmacy; their pharmacists will help you with all your medication needs and advice.