ABSTRACT
In the community or in hospitals, pharmacists are frequently asked questions concerning the safety of specific drugs during pregnancy. For instance, prescribers may ask them which is the least teratogenic drug when medication is essential for pregnant women who have diabetes or epilepsy, or they may consult on the use of oral contraceptives during lactation. In many cases it is difficult to obtain adequate information on drug safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding from commonly used pharmacological textbooks or formularies. Most available information for both health care workers and consumers is that on standard product information leaflets often stating: ‘use in pregnancy is not recommended unless the potential benefits justify the potential risks to the foetus’. Nonetheless, pharmacists will be required to provide appropriate information to prescribers and users of medicines. This chapter discusses drug use and safety during pregnancy and the sources of information in this field.
