Warning to pregnant women against using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during or after approximately the 20th week of pregnancy may cause rare but serious kidney problems in the fetus.

They also cautioned that the use of these medications can lead to a decrease in the levels of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus and potential complications resulting from it.

The FDA classified these drugs in their warning based on their need for a prescription as follows:

For medically prescribed NSAIDs, the FDA requests changes to the prescribing information to describe the risk of kidney problems in unborn children that can lead to a decrease in amniotic fluid.

For over-the-counter NSAIDs intended for use in adults, the FDA will also update the drug facts labels to warn against using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during the last three months of pregnancy because they may cause problems for the fetus or complications during delivery.

It should be noted that drug facts labels advise pregnant and nursing women to always consult a healthcare professional before using these medications.

Facts about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):

NSAIDs are known to be:

The most commonly used drugs for pain relief and fever treatment.

Used to treat medical conditions such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, colds, and flu.

They work by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

They are available either alone or combined with other medications.

The following drugs belong to the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and celecoxib.

Common side effects of NSAIDs include stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, stomach acidity, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.