Times when we have to be extra cautious when it comes to treating patients for COVID-19, there is always an extra burden and more discussions when it comes to the treatment of COVID-19 in pregnant as well as new mothers. Even though various studies and experts have claimed that it is not necessary for COVID-10 to have any effects on the baby or the delivery, it is still essential to know that the drugs that one may have to take for the treatment of coronavirus can have some adverse effects on the foetus and the new-born.
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Which Drug To Avoid For COVID-19 Treatment?
Ranjana Becon, Consultant Gynecologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad cited that there is verified data on the impact of favipiravir on pregnant and lactating women. She added, “the World Health Organization’s (WHO) authorises off-label use of medicines for COVID-19 as a part of its monitored emergency use of unregistered and experimental interventions (MEURI). Some drugs which have shown results, such as remdesivir, though not really low-cost, are also part of WHO’s Solidarity trial. The US FDA has clearly stated that remdesivir should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk for the mother and the foetus.”
The US FDA has clearly stated that remdesivir should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk for the mother and the foetus. There are several antivirals which have been safely used on pregnant and breastfeeding women, which can be used now also as the first line of treatment
Dr Becon explains that drugs like favipiravir have shown great results in treating mild to moderate COVID-19 positive patients but administering the drug on pregnant and breastfeeding women can harm the child. Some studies also claim that the drug was found to cause severe developmental abnormalities in the foetus. Adding to the discussion is Dr Gauri Agarwal, Founder, Seeds of Innocence, New Delhi, “Though it has been designated as safe for people with comorbidities such as diabetes and heart disease, those who have chronic and comorbid conditions involving kidney and liver should not be administered the drug as well, irrespective of whether they are men or women, pregnant or lactating.”
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Hence, when it comes to treatment of COVID-19 in pregnant and lactating mothers, it is essential that one must follow all guidelines given by the doctor for proper treatment. It is utmost essential for pregnant and lactating women to be aware of the medication given to them. Also, one must know that breastfeeding mothers need not worry about transferring the infection to their infant as it is completely safe to breastfeed kids if you have coronavirus. One must follow basic guidelines of breastfeeding if they have coronavirus.
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