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Can Cytomid Be Taken During Pregnancy?

Posted on Mon, 20 Jun 2016

Question: I am six weeks pregnant, and very worried.

At the beginning of my pregnancy, I noticed my face broke out.
I did not know I was pregnant already, back then. I started taking Cytomid-250 just then. I took a total of 5 pills, one each day. (So this was not a continued treatment.)

The first day of my last period was 22 March. The very last pill I took was on 21 April, one day before I found out I was pregnant. Is it safe to continue with this pregnancy? Kindly let me know soon. Thank you for your guidance.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can continue with the pregnancy

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Cytomid is flutamide which is a pregnancy category C drug.
It means that this drug has shown adverse effects in fetus of animals, however no controlled studies are done in humans.
The organs of the fetus start forming between4-6 weeks.
Since you took only 5 tablets at around4 weeks gestational age, it is unlikely to cause any adverse effect on the fetus.
You can continue with the pregnancy, and you should personally consult a fetal medicine specialist for further follow up.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN
Maternal and fetal medicine specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (45 minutes later)

Thank you for your guidance.

However, kindly note that flutamide is a pregnancy category D drug, not C.

In animal case studies published, the results of flutamide in pregnancy have led to a severely shortened lifespan of baby, heart deformations, spine abnormalities and the development of female sexual features in males.

However, we have not been able to determine if 5 tablets in week 4 of pregnancy can have adverse effects.

Our doctor in Belgium, who has not been familiar with flutamide in the past (it is a banned drug for women here- I was prescribed this medicine in India), says to wait for my six week check up.

Two doctors in XXXXXXX have advised that I discontinue the pregnancy, on the grounds that the hormone stays in the body for long + the best testing methods cannot guarantee the extent of the side effects.

What do you recommend?
Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed answe below

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
The information you have mentioned is completely correct.
However, since you have taken for only a few days in 4-5 weeks of gestation, the chances are less.
Moreover, the chances of anomalies are not100%.
You have to take the decision regarding the continuation of pregnancy, as the risk is not100% but the risk exists.
The congenital anomalies are ruled out at 18-20 weeks of gestation.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (3 hours later)

Thank you for your further clarification.

Is it possible for you to estimate a risk percentage?

For instance, one doctor we consulted said it was a 30% chance of risk. Would you concur? Or do you have a different estimate?

Further, is it that a six week check up will not show anomalies that do exist at a later stage?
Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Exact percentage cannot be given

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
Exact percentage cannot be given as no controlled studies are done in humans, so no definitive risk rate is known.
Anomalies are not visible at 6 weeks gestational age as most of the organs start developing at this age and are completely developed by 18-20 weeks.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar