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Aug 10, 2008
ALL drugs have to be taken cautiously when one is pregnant because some of them affect the development of the foetus. That is why it is important to tell your doctor all the drugs you are on if you are pregnant.
Dear doctor,
I have been on antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) for two years and I also take septrin daiy. I am four months pregnant but when I told my doctor about it, he told me I should not be on septrin while I am pregnant. What is the danger of septrin during pregnancy and what should I take to prevent opportunistic infections?
Robinah
Dear Robinah,
ALL drugs have to be taken cautiously when one is pregnant because some of them affect the development of the foetus. That is why it is important to tell your doctor all the drugs you are on if you are pregnant.
If you are on life-long treatment like ARVs, it is wise to let your doctor know your plans to become pregnant before you do. Some ARVs like Efavirenz can cause congenital malformations.
Septrin is not used in the first three months of pregnancy (first trimester) because of the risk it poses to the development of the foetus.
It can, however, be used after three months of pregnancy, but should be avoided in the last three months (third trimester) because it is known to cause a breakdown of the red blood cells of the foetus.
It is also not good for the baby up to six weeks after delivery. Since you are in your fourth month of pregnancy, you can continue taking septrin, but you should stop after the sixth month.
Continue sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net to avoid malaria and observe hygiene.
I have been on antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) for two years and I also take septrin daiy. I am four months pregnant but when I told my doctor about it, he told me I should not be on septrin while I am pregnant. What is the danger of septrin during pregnancy and what should I take to prevent opportunistic infections?
Robinah
Dear Robinah,
ALL drugs have to be taken cautiously when one is pregnant because some of them affect the development of the foetus. That is why it is important to tell your doctor all the drugs you are on if you are pregnant.
If you are on life-long treatment like ARVs, it is wise to let your doctor know your plans to become pregnant before you do. Some ARVs like Efavirenz can cause congenital malformations.
Septrin is not used in the first three months of pregnancy (first trimester) because of the risk it poses to the development of the foetus.
It can, however, be used after three months of pregnancy, but should be avoided in the last three months (third trimester) because it is known to cause a breakdown of the red blood cells of the foetus.
It is also not good for the baby up to six weeks after delivery. Since you are in your fourth month of pregnancy, you can continue taking septrin, but you should stop after the sixth month.
Continue sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net to avoid malaria and observe hygiene.