The FDA is currently evaluating the safety of oral yeast infection medication in pregnant women following a Danish study. According to Pharmacist, the use of fluconazole (Diflucan) could increase miscarriage risk. If that’s not bad enough, the study revealed that yeast infection medication also increased the rate of fetal abnormalities. Before the newest findings, the drug was thought to have little to no risk to the developing fetus, and deemed safe to prescribe in pregnancy. The FDA issued a statement and wanted doctors to refrain from prescribing the medication to their pregnant patients.
The FDA said in a statement that CDC recommends using topical yeast infection medication in pregnancy because oral fluconazole has an elevated risk of miscarriage and abnormalities, Medscape reported. In 2011, FDA indicated that repeated use of fluconazole with daily doses of 400-800 mg taken orally in the first trimester, may be associated with brachycephaly (flat head syndrome) and cleft palate.
After research, the FDA stated that it doesn’t appear that a single dose of 150 mg would put the pregnant woman at risk. Repeated usage and increased dosage of 400-800 mg would place the expectant mother at higher risk for miscarriage and birth defects. Although, the Danish study brings up new concerns about the safety of low-dose oral fluconazole.
In today’s statement, the Danish study revealed those pregnant women who took fluconazole during weeks seven through twenty-two had an increased risk of miscarriage.
“Most of the oral fluconazole use appeared to be one or two doses of 150 mg.”
The CDC stated that until they can review the current Danish study data, they wanted doctors to exercise “extreme caution” when prescribing fluconazole to expectant mothers.
“Until FDA’s review is complete and more is understood about this study and other available data, we advise cautious prescribing of oral fluconazole in pregnancy.”
The CDC urged women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant to talk to their doctors about alternative yeast infection treatment to reduce the risk of miscarriage and possible birth defects.
FDA is evaluating the results of a Danish study that conclude there is a possible increased risk of miscarriage with the use of oral fluconazole (Diflucan) for yeast infections. FDA is also reviewing additional data and will communicate final conclusions and recommendations when the review is complete.
Pregnant women are prone to yeast infection because the changes in hormones during pregnancy. It is thought, according to Live Science, that the increased estrogen levels change the normal pH levels of the vagina which leads to an overgrowth of yeast.
For many expectant mothers, a yeast infection is an uncomfortable and miserable experience, and they will do anything to make it go away. Pregnancy without any infection or complication is not the most comfortable experience. Even though a yeast infection can be miserable, the FDA wants doctors to try other (natural) methods before recommending oral fluconazole. They recommend topical, over the counter medication and natural methods such as consuming more yogurt or probiotics to combat any symptoms.
Voice your opinion in the comments section below, and tell us what you think about the oral fluconazole Danish study and their findings? Come back later for more trending health news and updates.
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New Health Study: Pregnant Women Shouldn’t Use Fluconazole To Treat Yeast Infections, FDA Warns it Greatly Increases Miscarriage Risk is an article from: The Inquisitr News
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