Tag Archives: Birth Defects

According to the Pulse Today, newer antiepileptic drugs may not be linked to birth defects when taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. Danish researchers have found that 2.4% of births in women not exposed to antiepileptic drugs were diagnosed with major birth defects, as defined by congenital anomalies classification system. In a large study of children born in Denmark, including those exposed to newer antiepileptic drugs, researchers found the rate of major birth defects was 3.2 percent for babies born to women taking various epilepsy medications. The study included 800,000 Danish births and the scientists found no support for an increased risk of birth defects following use of newer generation antiepileptic in the first trimester of pregnancy, said the lead author Ditte Molgaard-Nielsen, an epidemiologist at Statens Serum Institute of Copenhagen. Between 0.2 percent and 0.5 percent of pregnant women take antiepileptic medications during pregnancy, according to the study’s…
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According to Drug Alert, the FDA has issued a warning about Paxil, as it may put fetuses at risk for birth defects. A study conducted in 2005 by drug giant, GlaxoSmithKline PLC was recently reviewed by the FDA, who warns the medication could cause a range of birth defects in children. The data collected from over 3,500 who took Paxil during the first three months of pregnancy has caused the FDA to change its warning label from Class C to a more serious Class D, meaning there is evidence the drug poses a risk to unborn children. The FDA recommends that pregnant women do not take Paxil unless the benefits for the mother outweigh the risk posed to the fetus. The FDA warned health care professionals to discuss the potential risk of birth defects with patients taking Paxil who plan to get pregnant or are in the first trimester of…
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According to Consumer Reports, pregnant women are advised to avoid sunscreens with retinyl palmitate as it could increase the risk of birth defects. Retinyl palmitate converts readily to retinoid, which is associated with a risk of birth defects, especially in women using acne medication containing retinoid. July issue of Consumer Reports includes sunscreen ratings based on protection from UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburn, but also raises questions about potential harmful birth defects on a fetus from retinyl palmitate, a type of vitamin A antioxidant. The ingredient has been associated with a risk of birth defects according to recent animal studies. However, the report warns that additional research is needed to further determine the full cause and effect. The proven benefits of sunscreen outweigh any potential risks, said the report. Dr. Gideon Koren, directory of the Motherrisk program at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children said that warning pregnant women…
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