Certain medications can have serious side effects, arguably one of the most serious is being potentially toxic for an unborn child.

A recent study looked at the use and the possible need for contraception when taking certain medications for arthritis. Both men and women were surveyed regarding the medication they were taking as well as whether they had been advised to practice some sort of birth control.

Of particular concern was methotrexate (MTX). Online information from MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institute of Health, states, "If you are male, you and your female partner should continue to use birth control for 3 months after you stop taking methotrexate. If you are female, you should continue to use birth control until you have had one menstrual period that began after you stopped taking methotrexate. If you or your partner become pregnant, call your doctor immediately. Methotrexate may harm the fetus."

According to the study, "The increasing use of combination therapies containing MTX necessitates ensuring that advice regarding birth control is followed in order to avoid pregnancies exposed to potentially fetotoxic drugs." Sometimes methotrexate is prescribed in conjunction with one of the biologic medications, the TNF-a inhibitors.

The study results showed that, out of 237 female patients and the 189 male patients contacted for the survey, "Ninety-four women and 47 men had received one or several immunosuppressive or biological agents during the years 2000-2005. Correct advice in regard to drugs and necessary birth control had been given to 84% of women. Advice to men was more inconsistent. One-third of women and 50% of men treated with potentially teratogenic drugs methotrexate (MTX) or leflunomide had not practiced birth control."

You can read the study abstract by clicking here.

For more information about spondylitis and pregnancy, including medication concerns, please see our Women's Health Section: Click here.

We ask that you discuss any concerns you may have regarding medication side effects with your doctor.

References: J Rheumatol 2007;34:1266-9

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