NEWS UPDATE: VOLUME 32 - September 2006Birth Defects Linked to NSAIDs and SSRIs Recent reports have linked pregnant women’s use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with birth defects and other adverse effects on newborns. Perhaps most alarming is the fact that NSAIDs – some of which are available over the counter – and SSRIs are still commonly taken by pregnant women. While previous studies showed inconsistent results about risks associated with taking NSAIDs a nd SSRIs during pregnancy, current results indicate cause for concern: Investigators have shown that babies of women who took NSAIDs during the first trimester had a significantly higher risk of heart defects and other congenital anomalies, and babies born to women taking SSRIs during pregnancy run a higher risk of low birth-weight or of developing respiratory distress.The more recent findings for NSAIDs, while requiring confirmation with further studies (according to the investigators) have implications for pregnant women who may self-medicate with non-prescription NSAIDs.NSAIDs are a class of pain-relief drugs that includes over-the counter medications Aleve (naproxen) and Advil (ibuprofen), and prescriptions drugs Celebrex (celecoxib) and Cataflam (diclofenac). SSRIs are a class of antidepressant drugs that includes Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline) and Paxil (paroxetine).
Glyconutrients have many benefits for improved health and wellbeing.
