# 3345
The full review appearing in today’s Canadian Medical Association Journal is entitled:
This study is based on the review of the literature, and is based on (admittedly) limited information. The increased risk that pregnant women appear to face in a influenza pandemic, in part, spurred the quick release of this review.
By all means, follow the link to read the entire study. But I’ve reproduced (a slightly reparagraphed version) of the discussion portion of the study.
Discussion
Pregnant women, especially those in the late stages of pregnancy, are at high risk of complications from influenza, including novel H1N1 influenza.
Although the data are limited, this should be considered during the current novel H1N1 influenza pandemic.
If treatment or chemoprophylaxis is required for pregnant women during the current pandemic, oseltamivir appears to be the drug of choice because there are more data on its safety in pregnancy.
The data suggest that oseltamivir is not a major teratogen for humans. Zanamivir may also be used, but there are less data available about its safety for pregnant women.
Both oseltamivir and zanamivir are considered to be compatible with breastfeeding.
Continuation of breastfeeding by a woman taking these medications is unlikely to lead to substantial drug exposure by the infant. Adjustment of dose because of breastfeeding is not necessary.
This study essentially echo’s the advice issued by the CDC on the treatment of pregnant and nursing mothers :
What Pregnant Women Should Know About H1N1 (formerly called swine flu) Virus
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