Question
Does using ribavirin in the early stages of pregnancy affect the fetus?
Answer
Using ribavirin during the early stages of pregnancy may have an ‘all or none’ effect on the embryo, meaning it could either have no effect or lead to a spontaneous abortion. If you used ribavirin in the early stages of pregnancy, it is recommended that you monitor your physical condition and undergo blood tests for progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin. If the test results are normal and there are no symptoms of abdominal pain or bleeding, you can continue with regular prenatal checkups. However, it is best to avoid using any medication, especially antiviral drugs, in the early stages of pregnancy as they may have adverse effects on the fetus. Additionally, taking folic acid in the early stages of pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects.