The rule about taking medicines during pregnancy is simple: Always ask your doctor first. That includes questions about prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. You should definitely not take some medicines. For others -- the yellow flags -- your doctor may need to weigh the risks and benefits to you and your baby. Here is a basic guide:
Avoid:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- Herbs, minerals, amino acids, and regular vitamins
- Isotretinoin (formerly sold as Accutane, now Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane) taken for acne
- Thalidomide (Thalomid) taken for a type of skin disease and multiple myeloma
Ask Your Doctor:
- Certain antidepressants
- Lithium for bipolar disorder
- Phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizures
- Certain cancer chemotherapies
- Fluconazole (Diflucan) for yeast infections
- Albuterol (Ventolin) for asthma