Pregnancy is an exciting time for expecting parents, but it can also bring on a host of physical and mental challenges. One of the most common discomforts experienced by pregnant women is nausea and vomiting, and the prescription drug Zofran has emerged as a popular treatment for this. But before taking any medication during pregnancy, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and consider the potential risks. In this blog post, we will discuss whether it is safe to take Zofran while pregnant and provide some tips to ensure that you make an informed decision. We will also address some common questions and concerns surrounding Zofran, such as potential side effects and potential risks to the fetus. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of whether or not Zofran is a safe option for treating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Major birth defects. Studies demonstrate that there are no significant birth defects associated with taking Zofran during the first trimester of pregnancy. One study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Sloane Epidemiology Center at Boston University showed that nearly 70% of pregnant women had morning sickness during the first trimester Major fetal birth defects were not at an increased risk for those who took Zofran. â.
For nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), Zofran can be administered in three different ways. Orally taking Zofran in the form of a tablet that dissolves quickly is the most typical method. Injections into your muscle or IV access are additional options.
Patients are typically prescribed ondansetron, also known by the brand name Zofran, to help prevent nausea and vomiting brought on by cancer treatments. Additionally, this medication is utilized to treat morning sickness in pregnant women. What you must understand if you are taking Zofran to treat morning sickness
Maternal heart issues. The FDA issued a warning in September 2011 stating that taking Zofran could increase your risk of developing maternal heart problems. Namely, QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. These two ailments both result in irregular heartbeats, and torsade de pointes can even be fatal.
According to a 2013 Danish study that appeared in The New England Journal of Medicine, most pregnancies with Zofran did not result in an increased risk of the following:
Is it safe to take Zofran when pregnant?
Well, I’m not going to tell you what to do. But I think this science speaks for itself.
So no, taking Zofran when pregnant is not actually ‘safe. But you already knew I was going to say that. Despite the known risks, many doctors still readily prescribe Zofran even though its popularity has declined.
You can read about my personal encounters with medical professionals, Zofran, and dealing with both mild and severe morning sickness in this post: Morning Sickness Symptoms Revealed: Stop Feeling Sick, Start Enjoying Your Pregnancy.
PS. In that short post, there are also a ton of safer substitutes for treating morning sickness. Check it out.
While I typically recommend doxylamine-pyridoxine for morning sickness, some of my patients who experience severe NVP receive ondansetron in a hospital setting. I’ve read about some new safety measures that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised. Is ondansetron safe to use during pregnancy?.
We invite you to send any queries you may have regarding the effects of medications, chemicals, radiation, or infections in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to the Motherisk Program by fax at 416 813-7562; these queries will be addressed in subsequent Motherisk Updates.
I typically prescribe doxylamine-pyridoxine for morning sickness, but some of my patients who have severe morning sickness and vomiting during pregnancy (NVG) receive ondansetron at the hospital. I read about some new precautions that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised. L’utilisation de l’ondansétron est-elle sécuritaire durant la grossesse?.
Ondansetron should be used with caution only after medications with better safety records that have been labeled for use in pregnancy (such as doxylamine-pyridoxine) have been tried because fetal and maternal safety is the primary concern when treating pregnant women with medications.
Ondansetron users may experience serious QT prolongation and torsade de pointes, the FDA warned in September 2011. 3 To rule out long QT syndromes, electrolyte imbalance, congestive heart failure, or taking concurrent medications that prolong the QT interval, the FDA mandates strict follow-up for patients taking ondansetron. Numerous women with severe NVP may experience electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia), according to research on NVP. At this time, it is clear from Motherisk’s counseling of women taking ondansetron for morning sickness that none of the FDA precautions are being observed.
FAQ
Is Zofran safe for pregnancy 2022?
Can I take 4mg Zofran while pregnant?
Does Zofran increase risk of miscarriage?
Does Zofran cause birth defects in first trimester?