The Use of Immunosuppressive and Anti-Inflammatory Medications in the Younger Patients with Inflammatory Arthritis

Abstract

Many rheumatic disease affect women of childbearing age, and all the medications used to treat these diseases may affect conception, pregnancy, fetal development, and lactation. However, most drugs are not tested in pregnant women, are not labeled for use during pregnancy. Absence of sufficient available information is a more important problem for both the physician and the patients. Physicians who care for these women need to be aware of the potential adverse effects of these medications, and which medications can be used safely prior to conception and during pregnancy and lactation. Also men who take cytotoxic drugs should be informed of the risks of impaired fertility and teratogenicity.