Safety of dermatologic drugs used in pregnant patients with psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Vol. 59; no. 2; pp. 295 - 315
• Main Authors: Lam, Joseph, MD, Polifka, Janine E., PhD, Dohil, Magdalene A., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01.08.2008; Elsevier
• Subjects: Acitretin - adverse effects; Adrenal Cortex Hormones - adverse effects; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal - adverse effects; Biological and medical sciences; Dermatology; Female; Humans; Immunologic Factors - adverse effects; Keratolytic Agents - adverse effects; Medical sciences; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications - drug therapy; Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; Psoriasis - drug therapy; Psoriasis. Parapsoriasis. Lichen; Skin Diseases - drug therapy; Teratogens - toxicity; psoralen plus ultraviolet A; hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal; UV; FDA; Organization of Teratology Information Specialists; NSAID; cyclosporin A; methotrexate; OTIS; TERIS; Teratogen Information System; rheumatoid arthritis; TNF; RA; CsA; MTX; tumor necrosis factor; PUVA; ultraviolet; HPA; Food and Drug Administration; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; Pregnancy; Human; Drug; Skin disease; Psoriasis; Dermatology; Toxicity; Use; Safety; Inflammatory disease
• ISSN: 0190-9622; 1097-6787
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.03.018

In patients with psoriasis, there is an increased availability of drugs for treatment. However, there are important questions about drug safety for mothers with psoriasis and their fetuses. Currently, there are limited safety data for many of the medications used. In this article, we review current pregnancy risk information for medications commonly used in the treatment of psoriasis. In addition, a list of teratology information resources is included to help practicing clinicians find up-to-date information regarding the safety of the medications they prescribe.