loperamide pregnancy

[Kezzabc]

I have zero choice but to take loperamide a few times a week due to how bad my IBS-D is.

I’m currently 18.5 weeks pregnant and my dr has been zero help at all only telling me I can’t take it but all other medications I’ve tried in the past don’t help. If I don’t take it I end up incontinent or cannot get off the toilet because the D doesn’t stop.

Has anyone else taken it in pregnancy and their baby been fine. I’m only taking the lowest possible dose.

[Luisa22]

I looked online about that, and found that safety in pregnancy was "not established" I also checked in my BMA medical book (albeit from a few years ago.) and the same was said: "safety in pregnancy not established". But it also said "discuss with doctor". So possibly if you do that, it might help? I do hope you find some safe way of alleviating your IBS D. Good luck.

[Kezzabc in reply to Luisa22]

Thanks for your reply and taking the time to do that. I have spoken to a a couple of GP’s at the start of my pregnancy and they were no help. They said I can’t take it and left me zero alternatives however this leaves me in a very bad position when it’s the only thing that controls my bowels some days.

I’ve read every single piece of research online and it seems to suggest that it’s only at toxic doses that it’s been found to cause issues in animals. But again this doesn’t really help.

In some countries it’s on a safe list however is that just one off doses or does that also include people who take it regularly.

Before I was pregnant I had to take 12mgs a day 3-4 times a week and now I literally take the smallest does possible maximum 2 times a week but even that worries me.

I feel like 1. Im a failure to my child for taking any medication and 2. In an absolute mess because I have to look after myself too & it’s already making me ill allowing myself to have flare ups on the days I’m not going out anywhere or having to risk a flare up some days at work because I won’t take the medication more often.

Sorry for the rant but it’s horrible.

[BabsyWabsy in reply to Kezzabc]

It might help to talk to a pharmacist rather than a GP.

[Luisa22]

I am sorry to hear your doctor was unhelpful, and not even suggesting an alternative. Surely there has to be something that could slow down gut speed yet be perfectly safe for your baby...

But of course I don't have that knowledge.

Certainly, eating very bland "white" foods could help, and plain proteins like eggs, chicken, fish very plain cooked with just a bit of salt etc. I know you may be concerned about not getting enough nutrition that way though, for you and your baby, But if it's safe to take a good vitamin and mineral supplement A-Z, that will help make up the shortfall of nutrients.

Both eggs and fish, and any meat you can eat (not fatty meat) are packed with nutrition too.

But check about the vitamin/mineral supplement especially if you are on pregnancy vitamins already.

I have found that a really low fibre bland diet will help me when I am going through bad gut times, and calm down my gut (I have IBS D too) Then when my tummy settles, I gradually introduce more veggies to my diet.