Woman, beware: the common drug to treat 'thrush' or yeast infection might increase the risk of miscarriage. The researchers involved in the study advised that doctors be careful in prescribing the medication to women who are in the early stages of their pregnancies.
According to the research, women who have taken the drug fluconazole orally within the first six months after conception are 50 percent at risk of suffering a miscarriage, reported US News. In total, 147 women out of 3,300 or less than 10 percent of women per group have had a "spontaneous abortion" over the course of 17 year-trial.
"Although the risk of stillbirth was not significantly increased, this outcome should be investigated further," the researchers wrote. "Until more data on the association are available, cautious prescribing of fluconazole in pregnancy may be advisable."
The findings are problematic considering that yeast infection is more common during pregnancy than any other period in a woman's life. A study published by the National institute of Health estimated that three out of four women will be diagnosed with the gynecological ailment in their lifetime.
The National Library of Medicine explained that vaginal yeast infection is caused by the increase of a type of fungus called "Candida Albicans." Symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge, itching and burning sensation, pain during intercourse or urination, and redness and swelling of the skin around the vulva. There are other medications available to remedy yeast infection like topical creams and ointments.
The Food and Drug Administration issued an announcement five years ago warning against the intake of higher doses of fluconazole during pregnancy. The government agency, however, clarified that a single 150-mg tablet is safe. Doctors might prescribe higher doses to get rid of stubborn infections, The Daily Mail said.
Dr. Scott Sulivam, a member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, clarified that the study does not prove that fluconazole causes miscarriage. He stated that the findings show that there is a need for more data, therefore, more study that zeroes into the effects of the drug to pregnancy.
