Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, Celebrex, and their non-prescription counterparts Aleve and Advil, are commonly used to treat arthritis pain. A study, published in the September 6, 2011 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal, reveals that women taking NSAIDs during the first stage of pregnancy may have an increased risk of miscarriage. Researchers reported a 2.4-fold increased miscarriage risk among those using NSAIDs in early pregnancy.
The study was not a randomized, controlled trial -- it only evaluated prescribed NSAIDs. Even so, researchers concluded that the findings would also apply to over-the-counter versions of the drugs. Researchers believe the increased miscarriage risk was due to the drugs and not to the illness being treated. Previous recommendations have steered women away from NSAIDs in later pregnancy because of their effect on the development of fetal circulation. But the latest findings focused on the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
The study involved looking at data from nearly 5,000 women in Quebec who had experienced a miscarriage and 10 times that many women who had not miscarried. To be included in the study, women had to have filled at least one prescription for NSAIDs just before conceiving or in the first 20 weeks after conceiving. The risk associated with individual NSAIDs was also found to vary. Diclofenac was found to be highest by tripling the risk for miscarriage. Naproxen had 2.64 times the risk, Celebrex 2.21, and ibuprofen doubled the risk of miscarriage. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is considered the safe alternative medication for women needing pain relief in early pregnancy -- but the take away message here is that you should discuss all of your medications and your medication options with your doctor when you start considering pregnancy or as soon as you become pregnant.
Related Resources:
- All About NSAIDs
- Ibuprofen - What You Need to Know
- Naproxen - What You Need to Know
- Advil and Aleve - What's the Difference?
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Photo by Richard Beebe (iStockphoto)
