Update on safety during pregnancy of biological agents and some immunosuppressive anti-rheumatic drugs

Abstract

A consensus paper concerning the interaction of anti-rheumatic drugs and reproduction was published in 2006, representing data collected during the year 2004 and 2005. Because of an increasing use of biological agents in women of fertile age, the information was updated for the years 2006 and 2007. Experts disagree whether TNF-inhibitors should be stopped as soon as pregnancy is recognized or may be continued throughout pregnancy. Pregnancy experience with abatacept and rituximab is still too limited to prove their safety for the developing fetus. They must be withdrawn before a planned pregnancy. LEF has not been proven to be a human teratogen. Registries of transplant recipients have shown that cyclosporin (CsA) and tacrolimus do not increase the rate of congenital anomalies, whereas mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) clearly carries a risk for congenital anomalies. Prophylactic withdrawal of drugs before pregnancy is mandatory for abatacept, rituximab, LEF and MMF. Data remain insufficient for gonadal toxicity of immunosuppressive drugs in men and for excretion of these drugs in human breast milk.