FDA Warns Pregnant Women Over Medicine Use

TAIWAN: According to an article published by the Taipei Times (https://www.taipeitimes.com/), women should be cautious when using medical drugs during pregnancy, although refraining from all medications is not necessary, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised. At a news conference held on August 21, Lin Wei-chen (林委正), head of the Medical Devices and Cosmetics Division, emphasized the need for careful management of medication use during pregnancy due to the potential impact on fetal health.

“Many substances can breach the placenta barrier, affecting fetal health,” Lin said. He added that these drugs could lead to severe developmental issues such as deformities in the cardiovascular or nervous systems, as well as malformations in the brain, limbs, or face.

Balancing Risks and Benefits of Medication

Pregnant women face a challenging decision in deciding whether to use medications. Lin stressed that taking medical drugs during pregnancy is a matter of “balancing risks and rewards” and that such decisions require a thorough assessment by medical experts. He urged expecting mothers to consult healthcare providers to evaluate the potential impacts of medication use on both the mother and the fetus.

This perspective was supported by Lee Wen-fang (李汶芳), an obstetrician, who pointed out that medicinal substances pose the highest risk of causing fetal deformities during the critical stage of organ development, which takes place between the third and eighth weeks of pregnancy. During this period, particular care is needed to minimize exposure to harmful substances.

Safe Medication Options for Pregnant Women

Although caution is advised, Lee made it clear that pregnant women do not need to avoid all medications. She stated that various prescription drugs could still be used safely to alleviate pregnancy-related discomfort, such as gastric motility-stimulating medicines to manage nausea when other methods like hydration, dietary changes, and sleep adjustments prove ineffective.

Additionally, Lee noted that pregnancy tends to weaken the immune system, making women more susceptible to illnesses. For this reason, they may be prescribed medication for ailments that otherwise might not require drugs, such as otitis media and sinus infections. Penicillin-based substances, for example, are commonly used to treat such infections and are often prescribed as a safer alternative to invasive dental procedures during pregnancy.

Managing Chronic Conditions During Pregnancy

Lee emphasized the importance of managing chronic illnesses during pregnancy. She advised women who are dealing with long-term health conditions to communicate their situation to obstetricians to ensure appropriate adjustments to their medication dosages. “Many people have problems after stopping their medication without consulting a doctor,” Lee said, warning against making unilateral decisions regarding chronic medication.

The use of topically applied drugs and ointments to treat skin irritations during pregnancy is another common approach, with Lee explaining that these options provide relief without posing significant risks to fetal health.

Expert Guidance is Key

The advice provided by the FDA underscores the importance of consulting medical experts when dealing with health issues during pregnancy. While certain drugs can have severe consequences for fetal development, others may be used safely to improve the comfort and health of the mother. The key, according to Lin and Lee, is for pregnant women to seek out personalized medical advice, ensuring a careful balance between the benefits and risks of any medication.

The original article by Jonathan Chin, along with contributions from the Central News Agency (CNA), emphasizes the FDA’s message: pregnancy is a delicate period, and women should seek expert guidance in making decisions about medication.