Pregnancy & Omeprazol (Nexium)

[Alpson]

Hello All,

Although I was diagnosed with Lupus almost 10 years ago now, I have only recently registered on the Lupus site. Reading all the postings I wish I had done so sooner now!
I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with Omeprazol (Nexium) and pregnancy? I recently discovered I was pregnant, as I am still in the early stages I am worried about the medication and the effect it may have on the baby. I am taking omeprazol for reflux, which I suffer from badly and have heard mixed thoughts on whether it is safe to take during pregnancy.
I have been told I can take gaviscon but unfortunatly this does not work!

Please help!!
Son.
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[cath]

Dear Son,

Welcome style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif

And Cngratulations style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cloud9.gif


Your question is a good one without a good answer style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif . Officially omeprazole is a category C drug which means that the manufacturers recomend it is not taken in pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Actually almost every drug IS a category C, with the exception of a few drugs we know are safe (eg paracetemol, gaviscon, piriton), and a few we know are terribly dangerous (eg thalidomide, misoprostol).

The reason for this is that there are too few or no clinical trials testing the safety of these drugs. It just isn't ethical to do so, and animal trials aren't really reliable (or very ethical either).

That means that it may well be quite safe to take, but we don't know for sure. The more people who do take it and subsequently do or don't have problems, the more we know, but in order for that to become definite knowledge, millions of cases have to be studied. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/huh.gif

Practically this means that you and your doctor need to have a discussion about risks versus benifit. Obviously the risk is unknown, and te benifit is rather substantial in your case, but the possibility of causing an unborn baby harm is an emotional subject and something no-one else can decide for you. I'm not saying there is any evidence it will cause harm, and logically it seems rather unlikely, but there isn't enough evidence to say that with certainty. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif

I know that isn't a direct answer to your question, but I hope it helps ... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ok.gif

X C X

[Clare.T]

Welcome to the forum Son style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

Congratulations on your pregnancy style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/foryou.gif

You will have to follow your doctor's advice about medications in pregnancy and you should be in the care of experts even if your lupus is not too bad right now because there are some greater risks associated with all lupus pregnancies.

The experience of individuals in such an important respect can't be used as a guideline. Your doctors are responsible for you and your baby's welfare.

I am sorry not to be more helpful in this respect but I know you will find the forum the greatest support and help in many other ways.

All the best - keep in touch and let us know how it goes

Good luck

Clare

[Alpson]

Dear Clare & Cath,

Thanking you both for your replies and support.
I am going to have to think long and hard on my decision and seek advice from my many doctors!!

In situations like this you hope for someone who has been in the same position, and needed to make the decision, therefore I will keep you all posted for members to refer to in the future.
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