Teratogen information service for pharmacists: a pilot study.

We report on the first Helpline for pharmacists dealing with the safety of medications in pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Pharmacists from all parts of Canada participated in this pilot, receiving guidance in approximately 90% of cases. There were 472 inquiries relating to 598 products with regards to safety in pregnancy and 197 calls relating to 249 products regarding exposure in breastfeeding.

Chickenpox in pregnancy: revisited.

Varicella infection during the first and second trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk for congenital varicella syndrome 0.5-1.5% above the baseline risk for major malformation.

The safety of ondansetron for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a prospective comparative study.

Objective: Ondansetron (Zofran) is a drug used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. Despite the fact that it is not indicated, women are being prescribed this drug for the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP). There is a paucity of information on fetal safety for this indication.

Prospective comparative study of the safety and effectiveness of ginger for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Objectives: The primary objective of our study was to examine the safety and the secondary objective was to examine the effectiveness of ginger for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP).

Study Design: Pregnant women who called the Motherisk Program who were taking ginger during the first trimester of pregnancy were enrolled in the study. The women were compared with a group of women who were exposed to nonteratogenic drugs that were not antiemetic medications.