National sponsor of the Motherisk Program
Our Helplines
1-877-327-4636 Alcohol and Substance
1-800-436-8477 Morning Sickness
1-888-246-5840 HIV and HIV Treatment
1-877-439-2744 Motherisk Helpline
416-813-6780 Motherisk Helpline
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Resources
Current Studies at Motherisk
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Study seeks women between 4 and 12 weeks in their pregnancy with morning sickness (NVP)
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Pregnancy in Women with Multiple Sclerosis
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Environmental Exposures and Children's Health
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Alcohol Use during Pregnancy
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Control of Hypertension in Pregnancy Study
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Folic Acid Before and During Pregnancy
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Lamisil in Pregnancy
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Meridia in Pregnancy
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Autoimmune Diseases in Pregnancy Project
Finasteride
Finasteride: Does it affect spermatogenesis and pregnancy?
Meena Pole, MD Gideon Koren, MD, FRCPCDecember, 2001
QUESTION
A few women have asked me whether finasteride, taken by their partners for male pattern baldness, will affect their pregnancies. The product monograph is very alarming: it sounds as if even handling the medication could cause harm, especially to a male fetus. Should a man stop taking finasteride if his partner is planning pregnancy or is pregnant? What is the risk to the fetus if its mother accidentally handles crushed or broken tablets?
ANSWER
To date, there are no reports of adverse pregnancy outcomes among women exposed to finasteride. Taking 1 mg of finasteride daily did not have any clinically significant effect on menŐs semen. Absorption through the skin while handling tablets is extremely unlikely to cause fetal exposure or harm. There is no reason to discontinue the drug. Motherisk is currently following up women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy and whose partners are taking finasteride.
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