HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is It Safe To Take Arava While Trying To Conceive?

default
Posted on Mon, 30 Dec 2013
Question: Hello - I have had a myriad of health issues - my Immuno wants me to take Arava now.. I have only taken one tablet so far - we wanted to try for a baby, but I see that we cant as Arava can cause birth defects - Being on the very very very safe side, how long would i have to be of Arava - beofe we could be absolutely certain that we could concieve without birth defects.......so how long would I need to wait after a 6 month trial... and also if I stopped now after only one tablet... how long before we could go and freeze some sperm?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (44 hours later)
Brief Answer: Please refer below Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query. ARAVA may cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. However, current information does not suggest that ARAVA may cause male-mediated fetal toxicity. But, specific animal studies have not been performed to address this issue. So, to be on extremely safe side, male patients on ARAVA, who want to father a child (or freeze sperms), should discontinue ARAVA and take cholestyramine for 11 days (to facilitate clearing of ARAVA from body). Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer further followup queries, if any.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Indranil Ghosh

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 1712 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Hematologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Is It Safe To Take Arava While Trying To Conceive?

Brief Answer: Please refer below Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query. ARAVA may cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. However, current information does not suggest that ARAVA may cause male-mediated fetal toxicity. But, specific animal studies have not been performed to address this issue. So, to be on extremely safe side, male patients on ARAVA, who want to father a child (or freeze sperms), should discontinue ARAVA and take cholestyramine for 11 days (to facilitate clearing of ARAVA from body). Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer further followup queries, if any.