Pregnancy Problems with Some Immunosuppressants

A drug commonly used to prevent organ rejection in people receiving transplants has been linked to pregnancy complications and reports of infants born with congenital anomalies including cleft lip or palate and microtia, a deformation of the ear. The drug, mycophenolate mofetil(MMF)is the active substance in CellCept, which is commonly used to aid organ transplants. Another form of the substance, metabolite mycophenolic acid(MMA), is the active ingredient in Myfortic a similar immunosuppressant. MMF and MMA are both immunosuppressants which are also used to treat some immune-mediated conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (kidney inflammation) and erythema multiforme(a skin disorder). In most instances women had begun a treatment program involving MMF or MMA and continued into their first trimester or until pregnancy was detected. In some tragic instances the drug has been linked to spontaneous abortion in the first trimesters and severe congenital defects in babies. Last year the warning label on both drugs was changed to carry the pregnancy category D, meaning they carry risk to the fetus, but potential benefits may outweigh these risks for some pregnant women. Currently the FDA is working with drug manufacturers to lessen any risk to unborn children and ensure all pregnant mothers receive adequate warnings about potential risks. If you are someone you love has suffered problems because of pregnancy complications stemming from MMF and MMA you may consider contacting Strom Law Firm.