Pregnancy and PA

[Guest guest]

Hi-

I have a book called Medications and Mother's milk (2004 edition)By:

W. Hale and it is a book most if not all Lactational nurses

use.

It says the use of Humira in pregnancy is categorized as " B " in

pregnancy which means < " Either animal- reproduction studies have not

demonstrated a fetal risk but there are no controlled studies in

pregnant women or animal-reproduction studies have shown an adverse

effect ( other than a decrease in fertility) that was not confirmed

in controlled studies in women in the first trimester ( and there is

no evidence of a risk in later trimesters)> "

The pregnancy categories go from " A " being no risk to " D " being high

fetal risk ( and there is even an X which is really bad)

Surprisingly it appears from this book that breastfeeding while

taking Humira may not be a good idea classifying it at a L3 meaning

< " there are no controlled studies in breastfeeding women; however,

the risk of untoward effects to a breastfed infant is possible or

controlled studies show only minimal non-threatening adverse effects.

Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the

potential risk to the infant.

The rule of thumb I use is if it is not good for pregnancy- it is not

good for breastfeeding- and vice versa- they go hand in hand.

I have 2 children and just for my peace of mind I don't take any meds

when I have been pregnant. If I had the baby and for the rest of its

life if something was wrong I would always think about the medicines

I took in pregnancy and wonder if that was the reason why...

but, that's me.

I hope I helped you out,

[Guest guest]

Thanks for much for taking the time to answer me. I

was so afraid to take anything, but was told that I

was worrying too much. Thanks!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Almost 11 months ago I gave birth at 39 years old to a wonderful and

delightful little girl....10 years after my older daughter. The

pregnancy was wonderful!! I was off ALL of my meds (except Allegra) and

had no outbreaks and felt better then I did in years!! The delivery was

easy (I was induced and did have an epidural) and the baby was healthy

and happy!!

I did elect to not nurse so that I could resume my meds before a flair

but otherwise......I'd do it again if it wasn't for my age.....and my

husbands. I am tired at times but, I have a demanding job as a mental

health therapist working 50+ hours a week, show dogs as well as being

active within a variety of organizations and having Fib. as well.

Talk to your doctores fist....both Ob/Gyn and the Rheummy......we

didn't...this was very much the " miracle baby " for us but, both were

supportive and indicated that the hormones produced during pregnancy

tend to make the condition lessen.

Dawn B.

PA (have it and live there!)