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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories should be avoided during pregnancy, even topical gels

Any form of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) taken in pregnancy expose the foetus to the risk of potentially severe disorders.

A publication by the French drug regulatory body (AFSSAPS) examines the risk of taking NSAIDs during pregnancy.

A pregnant physiotherapist used a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel 2 or 3 times a week for giving massages. At 22 weeks, a scan showed anomalies in the foetus with a decrease in movement. If a woman takes NSAIDs 5 months into pregnancy, the foetus is exposed to the risk of premature closure of the arterial duct and renal failure.

In this instance, the use of NSAIDs was halted and the scan carried out 3 weeks later was normal. The pregnancy ran full term and tests on the infant at birth were normal.

This observation acted as a wake-up call, reminding health professionals and patients that NSAIDs should not be administered to pregnant women, in any form.

©Prescrire October 2008

Source: "AINS topiques : gare en cas de grossesse". Rev Prescrire 2008; 28 (299): 664.

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