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  Frequently Asked Questions:

Prescription Medication

Q. When I lived in Sydney I heard of a product on the radio that said was safe for pregnant women. I know that nicotine patches are not supposed to be used but was curious as to what this product was. I can't remember the name of it. Do you know of any product that would help me to give up?
A. The only medication I could find that was not a category C or D (drugs that are known to cause harm to the foetus), is Zyban. This medication is listed as category B2. That means that it has been taken by a limited number of pregnant women without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other harmful effect on the human foetus. The manufacturer lists as a precaution pregnancy and lactating women. Nicotine patches are category D and as you have said, are not to be used during pregnancy or lactation. Have you considered hypnotherapy or acupuncture? They would be a safer choice for you and your baby.
   
Q. Could you let me know if you have any information about the use of Zofran during pregnancy?

I believe this is a drug that is prescribed for people who have nausea after chemo treatment.

My daughter has been put on this as she has Hypotension ... and during her first pregnancy was vomiting all the way through her pregnancy - then would faint - but then her heart would stop... Baby is healthy but she didn't want this happening with her 2nd child.

Do you know of the side effects of this drug during pregnancy?
A. Thank you for your inquiry. You are quite right when you say that Zofran is used to control the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. It can also be used to control nausea from other causes such as pregnancy. It is rated as category B1. That means that it has not been shown to have any harmful effect on the developing baby. In general, the side effects of Zofran are listed as headache, flushing, sensation of warmth, hiccups, dry mouth and constipation. There are no side effects listed pertaining specifically to pregnancy but as you could imagine, the above listed symptoms would not particularly pleasant. It doesn't sound as though your daughter has an easy time of it when she is pregnant. I hope her situation improves.
 
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