Author Topic: Anti-biotics during pregnancy  (Read 10855 times)

2bor!2b

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 74
  • Location: California
Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« on: June 18, 2015, 01:33:30 PM »
Hi Mustachians,

I know that this isn't a financial question but I respect your judgement and would really like to hear your opinions. I am 5 weeks pregnant and I have a huge cystic acne node on my cheek. My dermatologist prescribed Keflex before I became pregnant. I talked to him after knowing that I am pregnant and he still advised me to go ahead with it. I talked to my gynec and she said it was a class B drug which is okay to use during pregnancy but she would prefer me to stay away from all medication, if possible.

This cyst has been around for a week gradually increasing in size I think and I am having a tough time convincing myself to take the medication. To add to the confusion/misery, I have already had a miscarriage in the first trimester. Since it is so early in the pregnancy, I haven't disclosed anything to my family/friends and hence cant ask them for their opinion. Can the Mustachians here please give me some advice. It would help me greatly.

Thanks.

Al1961

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 225
  • Age: 62
  • Location: Alberta - B.C.
  • Dad of a husky Husky
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #1 on: June 18, 2015, 01:38:16 PM »
 Listen to your doctors, and not to random internet strangers.

2bor!2b

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 74
  • Location: California
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #2 on: June 18, 2015, 01:57:47 PM »
I do want to listen to my doctors, but my gynec thinks it is best to avoid all medication during pregnancy, if possible. I would like to know if there are any Mustachian moms who needed to take anti-biotics during their pregnancy and if they and their baby were fine. I am sorry, but I am really anxious this time :(

forummm

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7374
  • Senior Mustachian
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #3 on: June 18, 2015, 02:13:41 PM »
I understand your anxiety. And it's hard that the advice is conflicting.

If it's a Category B drug, the FDA has already told you that it has been tested in animals and has either not been shown to be harmful, or that it has been tested in pregnant women and has not been shown to be harmful. This isn't perfect, but it's a good indication that the risk is lower. The only other suggestion would be to see if there's another drug that will work to treat your condition that is a Category A drug. There are not very many Category A drugs, so you might not have a lot of success there. But it can't hurt to ask.

Apparently the FDA site is not very user friendly on this issue. Here's some text from a federal regulation on the subject that describes the drugs in that category (from the 2nd page of the PDF)
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2008-05-29/pdf/E8-11806.pdf
Pregnancy Category B
For pregnancy category B, if animal
reproduction studies have failed to
demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there
are no adequate and well-controlled
studies in pregnant women, the labeling
must state:
Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction
studies have been performed in (kind(s) of
animal(s)) at doses up to (x) times the human
dose and have revealed no evidence of
impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to
(name of drug). There are, however, no
adequate and well-controlled studies in
pregnant women. Because animal
reproduction studies are not always
predictive of human response, this drug
should be used in pregnancy only if clearly
needed.
If animal reproduction studies have
shown an adverse effect (other than
decrease in fertility), but adequate and
well-controlled studies in pregnant
women have failed to demonstrate a risk
to the fetus during the first trimester of
pregnancy (and there is no evidence of
a risk in later trimesters), the labeling
must state:
Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction
studies in (kind(s) of animal(s)) have shown
(describe findings) at (x) times the human
dose. Studies in pregnant women, however,
have not shown that (name of drug) increases
the risk of abnormalities when administered
during the first (second, third, or all)
trimester(s) of pregnancy. Despite the animal
findings, it would appear that the possibility
of fetal harm is remote, if the drug is used
during pregnancy. Nevertheless, because the
studies in humans cannot rule out the
possibility of harm, (name of drug) should be
used during pregnancy only if clearly
needed.

Gin1984

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4929
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #4 on: June 18, 2015, 02:21:42 PM »
I do want to listen to my doctors, but my gynec thinks it is best to avoid all medication during pregnancy, if possible. I would like to know if there are any Mustachian moms who needed to take anti-biotics during their pregnancy and if they and their baby were fine. I am sorry, but I am really anxious this time :(
Right now it is not possible.  You need to keep yourself healthy to be able to carry your fetus.  Take the meds.

2bor!2b

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 74
  • Location: California
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #5 on: June 18, 2015, 02:22:13 PM »
Thanks forummm. This is helpful!

mrsggrowsveg

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 542
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #6 on: June 18, 2015, 02:40:40 PM »
I would take it if it has been prescribed.  However, I would also take a good quality probiotic to repopulate the good bacteria.  You could also eat fermented foods such as yoghurt, sauerkraut and kimchi.  Here is a cool article on the importance of good gut flora:

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-to-establish-a-healthy-gut-in-your-primal-baby/#axzz3dRrStUAO

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/04/10/398386277/bundle-of-joyful-microbes-moms-dna-alters-babys-gut-bacteria

TrMama

  • Guest
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #7 on: June 18, 2015, 02:42:58 PM »
I do want to listen to my doctors, but my gynec thinks it is best to avoid all medication during pregnancy, if possible. I would like to know if there are any Mustachian moms who needed to take anti-biotics during their pregnancy and if they and their baby were fine. I am sorry, but I am really anxious this time :(

Frankly, the fact that your OB has made a blanket statement like that makes me question whether he/she has even bothered to do any research about medications in pregnancy. As someone who had to take a whole cocktail of meds to make it through my pregnancies I know there are a variety of safe meds. Wait till you hit the 2nd tri perma-headache. You'll give your right arm for a Tylenol.

I think your Dr is being lazy. If the original med isn't something you should take during pregnancy, she should've suggested something else. Try talking to a pharmacist to find something that might be more appropriate. A little cortisone cream on the zit should be fine since it barely gets absorbed into the skin.

Al1961

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 225
  • Age: 62
  • Location: Alberta - B.C.
  • Dad of a husky Husky
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #8 on: June 18, 2015, 03:17:33 PM »
I do want to listen to my doctors, but my gynec thinks it is best to avoid all medication during pregnancy, if possible. I would like to know if there are any Mustachian moms who needed to take anti-biotics during their pregnancy and if they and their baby were fine. I am sorry, but I am really anxious this time :(

I understand your anxiety, my DW was hospitalized late during her second pregnancy and was prescribed numerous antibiotics and steroids for a severe toxic shock reaction to the pregnancy. We were both very worried. Anecdote, but everything worked out fine.

It's no wonder you're anxious - your OB/GYN seems to have given you a rather mealy-mouthed answer: "It should be OK, but I'd prefer that you avoided if possible". Ambiguous, at best, as it's neither an endorsement nor a contradiction of the advice of the prescribing physician who suggested you go ahead and take it.

But at least you have that unambiguous answer from the prescribing physician.

Al

thd7t

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1348
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #9 on: June 18, 2015, 03:24:44 PM »
About 25% of women have group B strep.  When they are in labor, they're given antibiotics.  The use of antibiotics while pregnant have been studied extensively.  If it was prescribed, it's okay.

Vwjedi76

  • Guest
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #10 on: June 18, 2015, 03:52:15 PM »
Whew, if I couldn't take meds during pregnancy I wouldn't have survived! Agree that your OB is being lazy about making blanket statements about med use.  There are some things you shouldn't use during gestation, especially during the first 12 weeks when all the neuro/spinal areas are being formed.  That being said, I was on all kinds of prescription meds due to health issues (got a Severe lung infection that turned into pneumonia during the first trimester ) and my OB did look up all my meds that the ER doc prescribed.  Anecdotal info only, I used: antibiotics, steroids, anti-emetics, insulin, diphenhydramine and the ever controversial caffeine. When I am not pregnant, I don't require meds but my body goes to crap with each pregnancy. It's like everything good goes to the baby and I just hobble along until delivery :)  If you are going to lose sleep over antibiotics, then just wait until after the 12 week mark.  With our first child we were super cautious, by the time the third one rolled around it was all "Bring on the coffee and sugar"'

2bor!2b

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 74
  • Location: California
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #11 on: June 18, 2015, 04:49:30 PM »
Thanks for all your replies.

It does give me some comfort to hear that others have been through the same path and it worked out fine for them. I never thought of my OB as lazy but now that some of you have pointed that out I see that she isn't as involved as I would like her to be and she hasn't seen me yet. I gave her a call to check on this medication and she was skeptical but didn't ask me to come in for a consultation.Maybe she has way too many patients.

Since the cyst is on my face and isn't causing me any major discomfort except for looking horrendous(its the size of two peas combined under my skin) and the occasionally pulsating pain, I'll wait a few more weeks to decide if I still want to take it. But knowing that others have been there, done that gives me a lot of hope.



Chesterfield

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 34
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #12 on: June 18, 2015, 05:55:27 PM »
Hot compresses, or go see someone ( dermatologist, family practice) who will open it up and drain it. They don't have to numb it ( granted it will hurt) but once it is open and the pus comes out you don't actually need the antibiotic. If you use hot compresses and it drains on its own, you don't need to see the derm or FP person. No need for antibiotics unless it spreads - there is a difference between an abcess (pocket of pus) and cellulitis ( deeper skin structures infected).  Don't get medical advice from the internet. Everything I have said is an opinion, and should be taken with a degree of skepticism as I am a random stranger on the internet.

forummm

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7374
  • Senior Mustachian
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #13 on: June 18, 2015, 06:40:50 PM »
OBs are generally very conservative about medication use and many other potential risks during pregnancy. The truth is that it's very unlikely that eating lunch meat or drinking coffee or alcohol or taking certain drugs is going to cause harm. But because the risk is nonzero, they are very cautious. So I think it's generally a good policy to not take uncertain substances if you don't need it. But if you do take it, you are not really risking very much.

astvilla

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 236
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #14 on: June 18, 2015, 09:40:40 PM »
It's true that in general, the principle during pregnancy is to avoid avoid drugs and use non-pharmacological (no drugs) and instead use more natural or mechanical methods. 

I think your OB is pretty paranoid though.  Your diet, drinking water, air you breathe, stress (from work, home, etc), previous medical history/conditions if any, age at pregnancy, would have more of an impact than Keflex.

Keflex works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls.  Unless your baby is actually a big mass of bacteria, you and your baby will be fine. 

When it comes to antibiotics, there's a lot of overuse.  You might have heard news about growing antibiotic resistance, superbugs.  That is partly because there's overuse of antibiotics for unnecessary reasons and patients don't actually need it.  A lot of times, it's for peace of mind.  People will say, "Well when I took the antibiotic, it went away and I got better."  But it wasn't the antibiotic, it was time and your body's own immune system.  So people buy and use antibiotics when really don't need it, the infection will go away with time.  Doctors will prescribe medications to calm people down knowing they don't really need the antibiotic.  Or they want you the patient to feel like they are doing something.  Some patients will stop seeing a doctor because the doctor won't write for a medication the patient doesn't need and will see another doctor who will write it.  Patients sometimes want to take something they "think" will fix their problems when really it's not doing much (disclosure: I'm a health care professional and worked with pediatricians who said almost these exact words).  Keflex won't hinder a fetus's development and if it did, the FDA would have issued a warning.  It's also an old, widely used drug, so there's more history of using it and no big problems so far after decades of use.  You're not the first pregnant woman to use Keflex. 

My hunch is that your OB said that because your acne doesn't really need Keflex, it'll go away on its own and you should just wait and deal with it.  Your condition isn't serious enough to harm the baby to take an antibiotic to treat.  It's costs vs benefits in your doctors' eyes. If you had a bone, nervous system, infection or sepsis or some serious infection where if left untreated, you and the baby would be in deep trouble, then you'd be given antibiotics and you'd still be safe.  I don't know what condition the doctor diagnosed but it doesn't seem at all serious.  Taking Keflex might make the infection go away faster.  The benefit to not taking it is you would be playing a teeny tiny role in delaying or preventing new superbugs from growing by not overusing antibiotics.  You would also be mustachian by not paying for the drug (unless you got $0.00 copay).  If taking the antibiotic could prevent the infection from getting worse and causing you and by nature, your baby, more stress, then take it.  Your doctors are pretty much saying, you taking it or not won't make much of a difference but always better to err on the side of caution and avoid if possible

MustachianMD

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 58
  • Location: Kansas City, MO, United States
    • MustachianMD
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #15 on: June 18, 2015, 11:13:06 PM »
Just like any medication/treatment it is all about the potential risks and benefits. The risk of a problem from keflex is fairly low as a class B medication. The benefit is probably higher for you given the amount of discomfort and the potential risk of infection to your health which can jeopardize the health of your unborn child. It sounds like your OB is stating that it is okay to take medications when needed (they will often prescribe antibiotics to their own pregnant patients) but they want to make sure you limit other medications, especially NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen that you may consider taking given the pain.

Best of luck with the pregnancy, enjoy it and stay healthy!

Legal Disclaimer: These are my personal views in conjunction with medical knowledge, it does not substitute the recommendations of your physicians (who have a relationship with you and have seen you) and does not constitute a patient provider relationship/duty.

Blonde Lawyer

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 762
    • My Student Loan Refi Story
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #16 on: June 19, 2015, 10:17:02 AM »
I've seen some pretty serious medical malpractice cases for failure to treat an infection.  The damage to yourself and your baby from an untreated infection can be severe.  If you let the infection fester you could require far stronger drugs or surgery.  If your doctor thinks you have an infection, I'd take the meds.

2bor!2b

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 74
  • Location: California
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #17 on: June 19, 2015, 10:59:24 AM »
Thanks to everyone for replying :)

@MustachianMD and @astvilla:
My OB hasn't seen me yet so she doesn't know the extent of the infection.I tried pushing for an appointment but she wont see me till 8 weeks. I am paranoid about taking the medication which is why I am asking people who have been through the same or with a medical background for their opinion. Since you both seem to have a medical background, any opinions on taking it this soon in the pregnancy(almost 5 weeks)?Does it make sense to take it ASAP or to wait for some more time --maybe till the second trimester? Will that be less harm to the baby?
 The cyst is the size of a mothball and I think it has some pus as well(soft to touch). It hasn't been paining so much lately, so apart from me looking horrendous(I have pretty clear skin but for this huge bump making it more visible), I can try dealing with it till second trimester if the risk is reduced by any fraction.
I know I am again asking for advice from "strangers on the internet", but for the life of me I can't get an appointment with any doc in my area for at least another 2 weeks.

2bor!2b

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 74
  • Location: California
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #18 on: June 19, 2015, 11:03:33 AM »
Also just a note. I have been trying a whole bunch of natural remedies to get rid of this cyst: hot compresses, honey mask, clay mask etc. Nothing seems to work.

Gin1984

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4929
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #19 on: June 19, 2015, 11:24:19 AM »
Thanks to everyone for replying :)

@MustachianMD and @astvilla:
My OB hasn't seen me yet so she doesn't know the extent of the infection.I tried pushing for an appointment but she wont see me till 8 weeks. I am paranoid about taking the medication which is why I am asking people who have been through the same or with a medical background for their opinion. Since you both seem to have a medical background, any opinions on taking it this soon in the pregnancy(almost 5 weeks)?Does it make sense to take it ASAP or to wait for some more time --maybe till the second trimester? Will that be less harm to the baby?
 The cyst is the size of a mothball and I think it has some pus as well(soft to touch). It hasn't been paining so much lately, so apart from me looking horrendous(I have pretty clear skin but for this huge bump making it more visible), I can try dealing with it till second trimester if the risk is reduced by any fraction.
I know I am again asking for advice from "strangers on the internet", but for the life of me I can't get an appointment with any doc in my area for at least another 2 weeks.
First, if she won't see you, find a new doc.  You need one that will listen while you are giving birth.  Second, neuro-development was something I was interested in during my Master's because during that portion of school (neuro-development class) I was gestating.  A ton can go wrong, and different drugs will effect the fetus differently dependent on the time (not necessarily by trimester).  You need to relax though, most of what can go wrong isn't within your control. 
Here is the thing, I had MD and dental students in my class and even for the students that wanted to be OBs that was the only requirement from graduation.  Honestly, many won't know the effect nor be able to tell which trimester is safer.  The rely on the classes on drugs and word of mouth teaching in the hospital. 
In general, avoid meds, yes but if you need them, take them.  If you have a something that needs antibiotics and you don't take it, you can harm yourself and your fetus a lot. 

Murse

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 574
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #20 on: June 19, 2015, 11:30:21 AM »
I didn't read all of the responses, if it was my family member I would tell them to call their pharmacist. This is what they are for.

justajane

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2146
  • Location: Midwest
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #21 on: June 19, 2015, 11:35:37 AM »
Are you allergic to penicillin? If not, it is my understanding that this is the safest antibiotic to give during pregnancy. I assumed I was allergic, but my OB urged me to go to an allergist to check during pregnancy. The reason was that if I needed antibiotics for Group B strep, he wanted to give what was safest to the fetus. I don't know that much about what you have, but could that be strong enough to treat it?

If you don't treat the infection and it gets worse, you might end up having to take even stronger antibiotics that are worse for the developing fetus.

2bor!2b

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 74
  • Location: California
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #22 on: June 19, 2015, 11:42:07 AM »
Are you allergic to penicillin? If not, it is my understanding that this is the safest antibiotic to give during pregnancy. I assumed I was allergic, but my OB urged me to go to an allergist to check during pregnancy. The reason was that if I needed antibiotics for Group B strep, he wanted to give what was safest to the fetus. I don't know that much about what you have, but could that be strong enough to treat it?

If you don't treat the infection and it gets worse, you might end up having to take even stronger antibiotics that are worse for the developing fetus.

I am not sure if I am allergic. I have not taken the medication yet.

2bor!2b

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 74
  • Location: California
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #23 on: June 19, 2015, 11:42:57 AM »
I didn't read all of the responses, if it was my family member I would tell them to call their pharmacist. This is what they are for.

I never thought of calling my pharmacist. That is something I could do.

2bor!2b

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 74
  • Location: California
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #24 on: June 19, 2015, 11:49:37 AM »
Thanks to everyone for replying :)

@MustachianMD and @astvilla:
My OB hasn't seen me yet so she doesn't know the extent of the infection.I tried pushing for an appointment but she wont see me till 8 weeks. I am paranoid about taking the medication which is why I am asking people who have been through the same or with a medical background for their opinion. Since you both seem to have a medical background, any opinions on taking it this soon in the pregnancy(almost 5 weeks)?Does it make sense to take it ASAP or to wait for some more time --maybe till the second trimester? Will that be less harm to the baby?
 The cyst is the size of a mothball and I think it has some pus as well(soft to touch). It hasn't been paining so much lately, so apart from me looking horrendous(I have pretty clear skin but for this huge bump making it more visible), I can try dealing with it till second trimester if the risk is reduced by any fraction.
I know I am again asking for advice from "strangers on the internet", but for the life of me I can't get an appointment with any doc in my area for at least another 2 weeks.
First, if she won't see you, find a new doc.  You need one that will listen while you are giving birth.  Second, neuro-development was something I was interested in during my Master's because during that portion of school (neuro-development class) I was gestating.  A ton can go wrong, and different drugs will effect the fetus differently dependent on the time (not necessarily by trimester).  You need to relax though, most of what can go wrong isn't within your control. 
Here is the thing, I had MD and dental students in my class and even for the students that wanted to be OBs that was the only requirement from graduation.  Honestly, many won't know the effect nor be able to tell which trimester is safer.  The rely on the classes on drugs and word of mouth teaching in the hospital. 
In general, avoid meds, yes but if you need them, take them.  If you have a something that needs antibiotics and you don't take it, you can harm yourself and your fetus a lot.


I asked my derm for an antibiotic to treat the cyst. It was the only other treatment option. He was about to give me a cortisone shot. I have this recurring cyst which requires a shot every time to subside, but I wanted to try something different this time. My OB strongly advised against getting the cortisone shot. I cannot drain the cyst because incision might cause a keloid and I have a tendency to develop keloids.

Gin1984

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4929
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #25 on: June 19, 2015, 11:52:54 AM »
Thanks to everyone for replying :)

@MustachianMD and @astvilla:
My OB hasn't seen me yet so she doesn't know the extent of the infection.I tried pushing for an appointment but she wont see me till 8 weeks. I am paranoid about taking the medication which is why I am asking people who have been through the same or with a medical background for their opinion. Since you both seem to have a medical background, any opinions on taking it this soon in the pregnancy(almost 5 weeks)?Does it make sense to take it ASAP or to wait for some more time --maybe till the second trimester? Will that be less harm to the baby?
 The cyst is the size of a mothball and I think it has some pus as well(soft to touch). It hasn't been paining so much lately, so apart from me looking horrendous(I have pretty clear skin but for this huge bump making it more visible), I can try dealing with it till second trimester if the risk is reduced by any fraction.
I know I am again asking for advice from "strangers on the internet", but for the life of me I can't get an appointment with any doc in my area for at least another 2 weeks.
First, if she won't see you, find a new doc.  You need one that will listen while you are giving birth.  Second, neuro-development was something I was interested in during my Master's because during that portion of school (neuro-development class) I was gestating.  A ton can go wrong, and different drugs will effect the fetus differently dependent on the time (not necessarily by trimester).  You need to relax though, most of what can go wrong isn't within your control. 
Here is the thing, I had MD and dental students in my class and even for the students that wanted to be OBs that was the only requirement from graduation.  Honestly, many won't know the effect nor be able to tell which trimester is safer.  The rely on the classes on drugs and word of mouth teaching in the hospital. 
In general, avoid meds, yes but if you need them, take them.  If you have a something that needs antibiotics and you don't take it, you can harm yourself and your fetus a lot.


I asked my derm for an antibiotic to treat the cyst. It was the only other treatment option. He was about to give me a cortisone shot. I have this recurring cyst which requires a shot every time to subside, but I wanted to try something different this time. My OB strongly advised against getting the cortisone shot. I cannot drain the cyst because incision might cause a keloid and I have a tendency to develop keloids.
I understand, so really take the drug.  Talking to your pharmacist is a good idea, but then you need to find one who learned/kept up with neuro-development and drugs.  However, do be aware that this is a common treatments for pregnant women.   

justajane

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2146
  • Location: Midwest
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #26 on: June 19, 2015, 12:07:21 PM »
Are you allergic to penicillin? If not, it is my understanding that this is the safest antibiotic to give during pregnancy. I assumed I was allergic, but my OB urged me to go to an allergist to check during pregnancy. The reason was that if I needed antibiotics for Group B strep, he wanted to give what was safest to the fetus. I don't know that much about what you have, but could that be strong enough to treat it?

If you don't treat the infection and it gets worse, you might end up having to take even stronger antibiotics that are worse for the developing fetus.

I am not sure if I am allergic. I have not taken the medication yet.

Keflex is not in the penicillin group of antibiotics. My point was that a doctor could prescribe you a different antibiotic like penicillin that might be better indicated in pregnancy. But that would mean talking with a doctor who is more reasonable and nuanced regarding medication use during pregnancy, which it doesn't sound like your present OB is.

Blonde Lawyer

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 762
    • My Student Loan Refi Story
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #27 on: June 19, 2015, 12:33:49 PM »
Can you just call your dermatologist to discuss taking this drug while pregnant?  Since he/she is the prescriber they should be willing to advise you on this issue.

astvilla

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 236
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #28 on: June 19, 2015, 02:24:54 PM »
Are you allergic to penicillin? If not, it is my understanding that this is the safest antibiotic to give during pregnancy. I assumed I was allergic, but my OB urged me to go to an allergist to check during pregnancy. The reason was that if I needed antibiotics for Group B strep, he wanted to give what was safest to the fetus. I don't know that much about what you have, but could that be strong enough to treat it?

If you don't treat the infection and it gets worse, you might end up having to take even stronger antibiotics that are worse for the developing fetus.

I am not sure if I am allergic. I have not taken the medication yet.

Keflex is not in the penicillin group of antibiotics. My point was that a doctor could prescribe you a different antibiotic like penicillin that might be better indicated in pregnancy. But that would mean talking with a doctor who is more reasonable and nuanced regarding medication use during pregnancy, which it doesn't sound like your present OB is.

Keflex is a beta-lactam though, just like penicillin. But the cross reactivity is very low despite structural similarities.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21742459


MustachianMD

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 58
  • Location: Kansas City, MO, United States
    • MustachianMD
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #29 on: June 19, 2015, 03:16:54 PM »
Keflex is probably the best option given your pregnancy status. Penicillin does not do a great job when there is purulent fluid (pus). The other options for skin infections that are more effective have much bigger side effect profiles in general and in pregnancy. Waiting 7 wks could really let this infection get out of hand.

Since incision and/or cortisone injections are not a great option, I would call your prescriber to discuss the antibiotic risks vs benefits. If it was my wife and she was describing what you are, I would encourage her to take the antibiotics.

On a personal note, my wife got sick during the peak of flu season. She was really nervous about taking tamiflu, but her OB and I strongly encouraged her to take the meds because of the potential risk of problems. The risk of not treating is much higher (I have seen pregnant patients come in septic shock and respiratory failure on cardiopulmonary bypass machines, which is definitely not good for mom or baby). I know that there is a lot of fear regarding taking drugs (which generally I agree with), but sometimes it is better to take them over the alternative risk of not taking them and letting an infection become life threatening to you or baby.

Kriegsspiel

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 962
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #30 on: June 19, 2015, 05:43:33 PM »
Keflex is the #1 rated drug to take intra-gestation in order to birth an X-Man*. You may already have their code name- Honey Mask.

* You shouldn't respect my judgment.

Abe

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2647
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #31 on: June 19, 2015, 06:05:17 PM »
Is the overlying skin red, hot to touch or painful? If not, it may not be infected. In any case it should be drained and the fluid evaluated for infection. It is unlikely to improve without either spontaneous drainage or an incision & drainage. Antibiotics alone will not be effective in the long run.

Again, standard internet stranger disclaimer: we do not have a physician/patient relationship as I cannot physically evaluate you. This advice is solely information regarding treatment of neck fluid collections in general, discuss with a physician who can evaluate you in person.

2bor!2b

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 74
  • Location: California
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #32 on: June 19, 2015, 06:36:02 PM »
Is the overlying skin red, hot to touch or painful? If not, it may not be infected. In any case it should be drained and the fluid evaluated for infection. It is unlikely to improve without either spontaneous drainage or an incision & drainage. Antibiotics alone will not be effective in the long run.

Again, standard internet stranger disclaimer: we do not have a physician/patient relationship as I cannot physically evaluate you. This advice is solely information regarding treatment of neck fluid collections in general, discuss with a physician who can evaluate you in person.

The overlying skin is red. It is painful when I touch it. I cannot/do not want to do an incision since I have a tendency to develop keloids.

2bor!2b

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 74
  • Location: California
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #33 on: June 19, 2015, 06:50:22 PM »
Thanks once again for all the great replies. This is such a great support community! I am glad I posted this question and I got very useful inputs.

I talked to my OB again today and she was okay with me taking the medication at this time. I will be starting the course tomorrow. I have come to the realization that what has to happen, will happen regardless of any precaution I take. No amount of might, money or resolve can change that. You guys have helped ease my anxiety a great deal. I am grateful to all those who took some time out of their lives to reply to a paranoid expectant mother.

2bor!2b

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 74
  • Location: California
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #34 on: June 19, 2015, 06:52:02 PM »
Keflex is the #1 rated drug to take intra-gestation in order to birth an X-Man*. You may already have their code name- Honey Mask.

* You shouldn't respect my judgment.

:)

2bor!2b

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 74
  • Location: California
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #35 on: June 19, 2015, 06:53:49 PM »
Keflex is probably the best option given your pregnancy status. Penicillin does not do a great job when there is purulent fluid (pus). The other options for skin infections that are more effective have much bigger side effect profiles in general and in pregnancy. Waiting 7 wks could really let this infection get out of hand.

Since incision and/or cortisone injections are not a great option, I would call your prescriber to discuss the antibiotic risks vs benefits. If it was my wife and she was describing what you are, I would encourage her to take the antibiotics.

On a personal note, my wife got sick during the peak of flu season. She was really nervous about taking tamiflu, but her OB and I strongly encouraged her to take the meds because of the potential risk of problems. The risk of not treating is much higher (I have seen pregnant patients come in septic shock and respiratory failure on cardiopulmonary bypass machines, which is definitely not good for mom or baby). I know that there is a lot of fear regarding taking drugs (which generally I agree with), but sometimes it is better to take them over the alternative risk of not taking them and letting an infection become life threatening to you or baby.

Thanks. Point noted.

Lyssa

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 483
  • Location: Germany
Re: Anti-biotics during pregnancy
« Reply #36 on: June 20, 2015, 10:32:45 AM »
Is the overlying skin red, hot to touch or painful? If not, it may not be infected. In any case it should be drained and the fluid evaluated for infection. It is unlikely to improve without either spontaneous drainage or an incision & drainage. Antibiotics alone will not be effective in the long run.

Again, standard internet stranger disclaimer: we do not have a physician/patient relationship as I cannot physically evaluate you. This advice is solely information regarding treatment of neck fluid collections in general, discuss with a physician who can evaluate you in person.

The overlying skin is red. It is painful when I touch it. I cannot/do not want to do an incision since I have a tendency to develop keloids.

If you have an inflammation I'd rather take the antibiotic and be done rather than having the inflamation "factors" (not sure this is the right term in English...) circulating through your body for an indefinite time. I'm not a doctor, but the advice "avoid if possible" without reviewing if it's indeed possible given the circumstances seems a bit lazy to me as well...

I find it useful to ask if you would give the med/substance in queston to a newborn under comparable circumstances. And I personally would not let a cyst grow more and more inflamed on a baby just to avoid ABs.

A pharmacy seems a good place to ask (better than strangers on the internet).

Hope this gets resolved and you feel better soon!