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Multiple Sclerosis

Intro

THIS WEBSITE IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional healthcare and is not intended to replace the evaluation of a healthcare professional. No responsibility is accepted for clinical decisions arising from use of this tool. Always consult with a healthcare provider for advice concerning your health. Only your healthcare provider can determine the medical recommendations for your neurological condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.

We are still learning about treating multiple sclerosis (MS) before, during and after pregnancy. A diagnosis of MS should not affect your ability to get pregnant. People who have MS can safely get pregnant. In fact, your risk of having an MS relapse is lower when you are pregnant. The first 3 months after you deliver are higher risk for relapses.

Some drugs used to treat MS may need to be stopped before or during pregnancy. The best time to stop depends on your medicine. Some should be stopped months to weeks before trying to get pregnant, and others may be stopped at the time of a positive pregnancy test. Some medications can be continued during pregnancy, but this depends on the medicine and your MS such as how often and bad your relapses have been and how many lesions you have on MRI. MS medicines can be restarted after the baby is born, but it depends on whether you are breastfeeding, and whether the medication is safe for your baby while breastfeeding.

Some things to consider if you have MS and are planning a pregnancy:

-If you are planning a pregnancy, which drugs need to be stopped before or during pregnancy

-If you have an unplanned pregnancy, will any drugs harm the pregnancy

-When to restart MS treatments after the baby is born

-When to restart MS treatments if you choose to breastfeed


Women with MS should discuss these questions with their doctor in advance.

This tool can help guide the questions you ask your doctor about MS medicines before and during pregnancy. The safety of breastfeeding on MS medicines is not currently included in this tool.

Medicines for MS symptoms may also have to be stopped before trying to get pregnant (like fatigue, spasticity, and bladder medicines). These medicines are not included in this tool. Speak with your doctor before stopping these medicines and to review different treatment strategies for MS symptoms.

Disclaimer: Safety considerations and recommendations provided in this web-based tool are based on limited studies and current evidence. This web-based tool must not be used as the sole basis for decision making in the use of medicines during pregnancy. You should talk to your doctors which may include MS specialists, neurologists, obstetricians, and/or family doctors throughout the process, as decisions should be based on your own specific circumstances.

Often the Health Canada approved drug label suggests stopping a drug longer before trying to get pregnant than recommended by MS pregnancy experts. This means use of medicines before or during pregnancy may be off label. Resources are below:

Pregnancy - MS Society of Canada, https://mssociety.ca/managing-ms/womens-health/pregnancy.

“Reproductive Health.” National Multiple Sclerosis Society, https://www.nationalmssociety.org/For-Professionals/Clinical-Care/Managing-MS/Reproductive-Health#section-3.

Krysko, Kristen M., et al. “Treatment of Women with Multiple Sclerosis Planning Pregnancy.” Current Treatment Options in Neurology, vol. 23, no. 4, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-021-00666-4.

Bandoli, Gretchen, et al. “A Review of Systemic Corticosteroid Use in Pregnancy and the Risk of Select Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes.” Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America, vol. 43, no. 3, 2017, pp. 489–502., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rdc.2017.04.013.

Medication Safety Checker

Add drug to check for safety

    • Beta Interferons (Avonex, Betaseron, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif)

      This is an injectable treatment for multiple sclerosis.

      Uses

      NA

      First trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Careful use (mother)

      In more than 2000 pregnant patients who continued beta interferons in the first trimester (usually stopped at a positive pregnancy test), there was no increased risk for miscarriage.

      Usually, can continue this medication until positive pregnancy test, then stop. In some cases, you can continue during pregnancy but it is suggested to discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Careful use (fetus)

      In more than 2000 pregnant patients who continued beta interferons in the first trimester (usually stopped at a positive pregnancy test), there was no increased risk for birth defects.

      Usually, can continue this medication until positive pregnancy test, then stop. In some cases, you can continue during pregnancy but it is suggested to discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Second trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      The safety of beta interferons is inconclusive - there is no known increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes but information is limited.

      It is recommended to discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      The safety of beta interferons is inconclusive - there is no known increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes but information is limited.

      It is recommended to discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Third trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      The safety of beta interferons is inconclusive - there is no known increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes but information is limited.

      It is recommended to discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      The safety of beta interferons is inconclusive - there is no known increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes but information is limited.

      It is recommended to discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

    • Glatiramer Acetate (Copaxone, Glatect)

      This is an injectable treatment for multiple sclerosis.

      Uses

      NA

      First trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Careful use (mother)

      In more than 2000 pregnant patients who continued glatiramer acetate in the first trimester (usually stopped at a positive pregnancy test), there was no increased risk for miscarriage.

      Usually, can continue this medication until positive pregnancy test, then stop. In some cases, you can continue during pregnancy but it is suggested to discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Careful use (fetus)

      In more than 2000 pregnant patients who continued glatiramer acetate in the first trimester (usually stopped at a positive pregnancy test), there was no increased risk for birth defects.

      Usually, can continue this medication until positive pregnancy test, then stop. In some cases, you can continue during pregnancy but it is suggested to discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Second trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      The safety of glatiramer acetate is inconclusive - there is no known increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes but information is limited.

      It is recommended to discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      The safety of glatiramer acetate is inconclusive - there is no known increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes but information is limited.

      It is recommended to discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Third trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      The safety of glatiramer acetate is inconclusive - there is no known increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes but information is limited.

      It is recommended to discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      The safety of glatiramer acetate is inconclusive - there is no known increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes but information is limited.

      It is recommended to discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

    • Dimethyl Fumarate (Tecfidera)

      This is an oral medication for multiple sclerosis.

      Uses

      NA

      First trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Careful use (mother)

      In more than 300 pregnant patients who continued glatiramer acetate in the first trimester (usually stopped at a positive pregnancy test), there was no increased risk for miscarriage.

      It is recommended to stop the medication at a positive pregnancy test. Please discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Careful use (fetus)

      In more than 300 pregnant patients who continued dimethyl fumarate in the first trimester (usually stopped at a positive pregnancy test), there was no increased risk for birth defects.

      It is recommended to stop the medication at a positive pregnancy test. Please discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Second trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      There is no safety data on this medication during pregnancy.

      It is recommended to stop the medication at a positive pregnancy test. Please discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      There is no safety data on this medication during pregnancy.

      It is recommended to stop the medication at a positive pregnancy test. Please discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Third trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      There is no safety data on this medication during pregnancy.

      It is recommended to stop the medication at a positive pregnancy test. Please discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      There is no safety data on this medication during pregnancy.

      It is recommended to stop the medication at a positive pregnancy test. Please discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

    • Diroximel Fumarate (Vumerity)

      This is an oral medication for multiple sclerosis.

      Uses

      NA

      First trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Careful use (mother)

      Safety data is not available for this medication but it is likely safe in early first trimester.

      It is recommended to stop the medication at a positive pregnancy test. Please discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Careful use (fetus)

      Safety data is not available for this medication but it is likely safe in early first trimester.

      It is recommended to stop the medication at a positive pregnancy test. Please discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Second trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      There is no safety data on this medication during pregnancy.

      It is recommended to stop the medication at a positive pregnancy test. Please discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      There is no safety data on this medication during pregnancy.

      It is recommended to stop the medication at a positive pregnancy test. Please discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Third trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      There is no safety data on this medication during pregnancy.

      It is recommended to discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      There is no safety data on this medication during pregnancy.

      It is recommended to discuss the best option for you with your doctor.

    • Fingolimod (Gilenya)

      This is an oral medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) and it is NOT recommended in pregnancy. Please use reliable birth control (like an intrauterine device, IUD, or hormonal contraception) and avoid pregnancy while on fingolimod and for 2 months after stopping fingolimod.

      Before you try to get pregnant, discuss with your doctor early on how to safely stop this medication for pregnancy and switch to another MS medication to avoid worsening of MS and prevent an MS relapse/rebound attack.

      Uses

      NA

      First trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      Fingolimod is NOT safe during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medicine. Note that there is a high risk of MS relapse/rebound attack in the mother if fingolimod is stopped without starting a different MS treatment. Please discuss the best option with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      Fingolimod is NOT safe during pregnancy. This drug may double the risk of major birth defects compared to the general population, including abnormalities in the heart, kidney, muscle, and bone.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medicine. Detailed fetal ultrasound is recommended to look for any abnormalities in the organs of the fetus.

      Second trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      Fingolimod is NOT safe during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medicine. Note that there is a high risk of MS relapse/rebound attack in the mother if fingolimod is stopped without starting a different MS treatment. Please discuss the best option with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      Fingolimod is NOT safe during pregnancy. This drug may double the risk of major birth defects compared to the general population, including abnormalities in the heart, kidney, muscle, and bone.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medicine. Detailed fetal ultrasound is recommended to look for any abnormalities in the organs of the fetus.

      Third trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      Fingolimod is NOT safe during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medicine. Note that there is a high risk of MS relapse/rebound attack in the mother if fingolimod is stopped without starting a different MS treatment. Please discuss the best option with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      Fingolimod is NOT safe during pregnancy. This drug may double the risk of major birth defects compared to the general population, including abnormalities in the heart, kidney, muscle, and bone.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medicine. Detailed fetal ultrasound is recommended to look for any abnormalities in the organs of the fetus.

    • Siponimod (Mayzent)

      This is an oral medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) and it is NOT recommended in pregnancy. Please use reliable birth control (like an intrauterine device, IUD, or hormonal contraception) and avoid pregnancy while on siponimod and for 2 months after stopping siponimod.

      Before you try to get pregnant, discuss with your doctor early on how to safely stop this medication for pregnancy and switch to another MS medication to avoid worsening of MS and prevent an MS relapse/rebound attack.

      Uses

      NA

      First trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      Siponimod is NOT safe during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medicine. Note that there is a high risk of MS relapse/rebound attack in the mother if siponimod is stopped without starting a different MS treatment. Please discuss the best option with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      Siponimod is NOT safe during pregnancy. The risks of birth defects on this medication are unknown but it is likely to be of an elevated risk as siponimod works similarly to another MS medication that is known to cause birth defects.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medication. Detailed fetal ultrasound is recommended to look for any abnormalities in the organs of the fetus.

      Second trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      Siponimod is NOT safe during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medicine. Note that there is a high risk of MS relapse/rebound attack in the mother if siponimod is stopped without starting a different MS treatment. Please discuss the best option with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      Siponimod is NOT safe during pregnancy. The risks of birth defects on this medication are unknown but it is likely to be of an elevated risk as siponimod works similarly to another MS medication that is known to cause birth defects.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medication. Detailed fetal ultrasound is recommended to look for any abnormalities in the organs of the fetus.

      Third trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      Siponimod is NOT safe during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medicine. Note that there is a high risk of MS relapse/rebound attack in the mother if siponimod is stopped without starting a different MS treatment. Please discuss the best option with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      Siponimod is NOT safe during pregnancy. The risks of birth defects on this medication are unknown but it is likely to be of an elevated risk as siponimod works similarly to another MS medication that is known to cause birth defects.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medication. Detailed fetal ultrasound is recommended to look for any abnormalities in the organs of the fetus.

    • Ozanimod (Zeposia)

      This is an oral medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) and it is NOT recommended in pregnancy. Please use reliable birth control (like an intrauterine device, IUD, or hormonal contraception) and avoid pregnancy while on siponimod and for 2 months after stopping siponimod.

      Before you try to get pregnant, discuss with your doctor early on how to safely stop this medication for pregnancy and switch to another MS medication to avoid worsening of MS and prevent an MS relapse/rebound attack.

      Uses

      NA

      First trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      Ozanimod is NOT safe during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medicine. Note that there is a high risk of MS relapse/rebound attack in the mother if ozanimod is stopped without starting a different MS treatment. Please discuss the best option with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      Ozanimod is NOT safe during pregnancy. The risks of birth defects on this medication are unknown but it is likely to be of an elevated risk as ozanimod works similarly to another MS medication that is known to cause birth defects.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medication. Detailed fetal ultrasound is recommended to look for any abnormalities in the organs of the fetus.

      Second trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      Ozanimod is NOT safe during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medicine. Note that there is a high risk of MS relapse/rebound attack in the mother if ozanimod is stopped without starting a different MS treatment. Please discuss the best option with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      Ozanimod is NOT safe during pregnancy. The risks of birth defects on this medication are unknown but it is likely to be of an elevated risk as ozanimod works similarly to another MS medication that is known to cause birth defects.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medication. Detailed fetal ultrasound is recommended to look for any abnormalities in the organs of the fetus.

      Third trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      Ozanimod is NOT safe during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medicine. Note that there is a high risk of MS relapse/rebound attack in the mother if ozanimod is stopped without starting a different MS treatment. Please discuss the best option with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      Ozanimod is NOT safe during pregnancy. The risks of birth defects on this medication are unknown but it is likely to be of an elevated risk as ozanimod works similarly to another MS medication that is known to cause birth defects.

      If you find out you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor to get off this medication. Detailed fetal ultrasound is recommended to look for any abnormalities in the organs of the fetus.

    • Cladribine (Mavenclad)

      This is an oral medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) and it is NOT recommended in pregnancy. Please use reliable birth control (like an intrauterine device, IUD, or hormonal contraception) for at least 6 months after the last dose of cladribine.

      The effect of cladribine on hormonal contraceptives is unknown. You should use both hormonal contraception AND barrier contraception like condoms for at least 4 weeks after the last dose.

      Pregnancy can be safely planned by waiting at least 6 months after both years of cladribine treatment are complete. If you only complete the first year of treatment, your MS will not have the full benefit of cladribine.

      Uses

      NA

      First trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      Cladribine is NOT safe during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus.

      Please discuss the best option with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      Cladribine is NOT safe during pregnancy. This medication is harmful in animal studies, demonstrating harm to the genetic material, embryo, and fetus.

      Please discuss your best option with your doctor.

      Second trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      Cladribine is NOT safe during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus.

      Please discuss the best option with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      Cladribine is NOT safe during pregnancy. This medication is harmful in animal studies, demonstrating harm to the genetic material, embryo, and fetus.

      Please discuss your best option with your doctor.

      Third trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      Cladribine is NOT safe during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus.

      Please discuss the best option with your doctor.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      Cladribine is NOT safe during pregnancy. This medication is harmful in animal studies, demonstrating harm to the genetic material, embryo, and fetus.

      Please discuss your best option with your doctor.

    • Teriflunomide (Aubagio)

      This is an oral medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) and it is NOT recommended in pregnancy. Please use reliable birth control (like an intrauterine device, IUD, or hormonal contraception) until teriflunomide has cleared from your body based on a blood test.

      Before you try to get pregnant, stop teriflunomide and take another medication (cholestyramine or activated charcoal) to completely clear this medicine from your body. You need a blood test to make sure you have a low blood level of teriflunomide before you try to get pregnant.

      Uses

      NA

      First trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      Teriflunomide is NOT safe during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus.

      If you find out that you are pregnant while you are taking teriflunomide, stop the medication and make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe you a medicine to remove teriflunomide quickly from the body. Detailed fetal ultrasound is recommended to look for any abnormalities in the organs of the fetus. Please discuss your best option with your doctor for MS management.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      Teriflunomide is NOT safe during pregnancy. There is a concern for risk of birth defects based on animal studies. While the risk of birth defects has not been elevated in available human studies, this drug has a black box warning against use in pregnancy.

      If you find out that you are pregnant while you are taking teriflunomide, stop the medication and make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe you a medicine to remove teriflunomide quickly from the body. Detailed fetal ultrasound is recommended to look for any abnormalities in the organs of the fetus. Please discuss your best option with your doctor for MS management.

      Second trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      Teriflunomide is NOT safe during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus.

      If you find out that you are pregnant while you are taking teriflunomide, stop the medication and make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe you a medicine to remove teriflunomide quickly from the body. Detailed fetal ultrasound is recommended to look for any abnormalities in the organs of the fetus. Please discuss your best option with your doctor for MS management.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      Teriflunomide is NOT safe during pregnancy. There is a concern for risk of birth defects based on animal studies. While the risk of birth defects has not been elevated in available human studies, this drug has a black box warning against use in pregnancy.

      If you find out that you are pregnant while you are taking teriflunomide, stop the medication and make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe you a medicine to remove teriflunomide quickly from the body. Detailed fetal ultrasound is recommended to look for any abnormalities in the organs of the fetus. Please discuss your best option with your doctor for MS management.

      Third trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Unsafe use (mother)

      Teriflunomide is NOT safe during pregnancy due to risks to the fetus.

      If you find out that you are pregnant while you are taking teriflunomide, stop the medication and make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe you a medicine to remove teriflunomide quickly from the body. Detailed fetal ultrasound is recommended to look for any abnormalities in the organs of the fetus. Please discuss your best option with your doctor for MS management.

      Unsafe use (fetus)

      Teriflunomide is NOT safe during pregnancy. There is a concern for risk of birth defects based on animal studies. While the risk of birth defects has not been elevated in available human studies, this drug has a black box warning against use in pregnancy.

      If you find out that you are pregnant while you are taking teriflunomide, stop the medication and make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe you a medicine to remove teriflunomide quickly from the body. Detailed fetal ultrasound is recommended to look for any abnormalities in the organs of the fetus. Please discuss your best option with your doctor for MS management.

    • Natalizumab (Tysabari)

      This is a monoclonal antibody treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) and there is limited data to determine its safety for both fetus and mother. It is best to consult your doctor on your best option.

      If you are planning to get pregnant, discuss the options with your doctor. There are 2 main options:

      1. Stop natalizumab and switch to another medication timed before pregnancy (such as ocrelizumab or ofatumumab), as stopping natalizumab increases the risk of MS relapse/rebound attack.
      2. Continue natalizumab but change the dose to every 6-8 weeks instead of every 4 weeks, and the last dose should be given around 34 weeks of pregnancy to reduce fetal exposure. The drug must be resumed shortly after delivery to prevent a rebound attack. The newborn should be checked for blood count abnormalities at birth.

      First trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Careful use (mother)

      Limited information suggests likely no increased risk of miscarriages, but more information is still needed.

      This drug is likely safe for the mother, although infection risk is increased during pregnancy.

      There is high risk of MS relapse/rebound attack in the mother if natalizumab is stopped without starting a different MS treatment.

      This section is still being updated. Check back later!

      Careful use (fetus)

      Limited data suggests likely no increased risk of birth defects, but more information is still needed.

      This section is still being updated. Check back later!

      Second trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Careful use (mother)

      This drug is likely safe for the mother, although infection risk is increased during pregnancy. There is high risk of MS relapse/rebound attack in the mother if natalizumab is stopped without starting a different MS treatment

      This section is still being updated. Check back later!

      Careful use (fetus)

      This drug can cause low blood counts (anemia, low platelets) in infants if exposed in late pregnancy. There is also an increased risk for low birth weight and more hospital stays in the first year of life.

      This section is still being updated. Check back later!

      Third trimester

      SafetyConcernNext steps
      Careful use (mother)

      This drug is likely safe for the mother, although infection risk is increased during pregnancy.

      There is high risk of MS relapse/rebound attack in the mother if natalizumab is stopped without starting a different MS treatment.

      This section is still being updated. Check back later!

      Careful use (fetus)

      This drug can cause low blood counts (anemia, low platelets) in infants if exposed in late pregnancy. There is also an increased risk for low birth weight and more hospital stays in the first year of life.

      This section is still being updated. Check back later!

    Disclaimer

    Some safety considerations/recommendations provided in this web-based tool are based on limited studies and current evidence. This web-based tool must not be used as the sole base of decision-making in the use of medicines during pregnancy.

    Expert health care provider consultation with a family doctor/neurologist/cardiologist/obstetrician is required throughout the process of change, as decisions should be based on an individual’s specific circumstances.

    Many other medications are used following a stroke and they may cause fetal harm (e.g., cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes medications) but this tool focuses ONLY on the safety of blood thinners use for mother and baby. If you have questions about the other medications you are taking, please talk to your physician.