Hydroxychloroquine and IVF

[hanb27]

I've been on hydroxy for 4 years now I'm about to start IVF my rhumy said meds will need doubling which I didn't question. At my appointment at IVF clinic today the doc there wants written confirmation of this from rhumy. So I (stupidly!) Googled pregnancy and hydroxy and it says not to be taken during pregnancy!!! Has anyone continued with meds or stopped when they became pregnant?

[hanb27]

Thanks, I guess which ever way I go if something went wrong I'd think I should have made the opposite decision !

[Medievalgirl]

I took hydroxy throughout my recent pregnancy and gave birth to a healthy baby girl. The obstetrician I was under scared me with dire warnings about hydroxy during pregnancy but admitted it was not something she knew a lot about. I spoke to both my rheumatologist and my hospital’s rheumatology pharmacist who’s advice made me decide to continue with the medication. I was also advised it was safe to use when breast feeding. Do you have a rheumatology helpline number at the hospital you’re under? Speaking to someone that has all the up to date information on the drug might help you make a decision. It was speaking to the pharmacist in particular that helped me.

Good luck with your IVF.

[Melba1]

Whoops sorry I responded to the wrong post here!

Hanb27 - really hope you get some help making the decision, hard enough to make medication decisions when we’re not pregnant or trying to be. I didn’t have lupus whilst pregnant but did have severe constant vomiting that they insisted on medicating. I was really worried about the effects of the drugs on the babies but they were fine.

Good luck with the IVF xx

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi hanb27 ,

I'm not sure where you read that hydroxychloroquine is not safe during pregnancy? In fact, numerous studies have now shown it to be safe in pregnancy and breast feeding and in fact, it can often improve the likelihood of a successful pregnancy so women with a connective tissue disease who are not currently taking it may now be started on it during pregnancy.

If you would like more information about lupus and pregnancy, please take a look at our booklet here - lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u... - If you would like a copy posted to you, just send me a private message or email [e-mail] with your name and address.