women s health issues
Safety of Medications During Pregnancy
Antiviral Medications During Pregnancy
 for HIV infection) have been safely used during pregnancy for many years. However, certain antiviral medications may cause problems in the fetus. For example, some evidence suggests that when some HIV regimens with a combination of antiviral medications are given during the first trimester, the risk of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate may be increased. For a pregnant woman with early mild to moderate COVID-19, her treatment team may discuss the risks and benefits and decide whether either nirmatrelvir-ritonavirorremdesiviris appropriate. For pregnant patients hospitalized for COVID-19, use ofbaricitinibortocilizumab, may also be considered. Generally, experts recommend that theoretical concerns about the safety of the antiviral medications during pregnancy should not prevent their use in pregnant women. If a pregnant woman gets influenza, she should seek treatment as soon as possible because treating influenza within 48 hours of when symptoms begin is most effective. However, treatment at any point during the infection reduces the risk of severe complications. No well-designed studies ofzanamivirandoseltamivirhave been done in pregnant women. However, many studies based on observation indicate that treating pregnant women withzanamiviroroseltamivirdoes not increase the risk of harmful effects. There is little or no information about the use of other influenza medications during pregnancy. Acyclovirtaken by mouth or applied to the skin, usually to treat herpes simplex virus, appears to be safe during pregnancy. 