Other treatments while pregnant

Other treatments while pregnant

Some drugs and vaccines for the treatment and prevention of certain conditions that are common in HIV positive women are safe to use in pregnancy, while others are not. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of these treatments to you and the fetus.

It is safe to use preventative medication for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and tuberculosis (TB). You may also take treatment for active tuberculosis when you are pregnant. As well, it appears to be relatively safe to take acyclovir to prevent or treat herpes outbreaks, though you should talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this drug.

Methadone is safe to use during your pregnancy, but be aware that your baby may be dependent on (addicted to) methadone and will need to be weaned off. If you are on methadone and become pregnant, you should not stop taking methadone without first speaking with your doctor.

Some HIV positive women use medicinal marijuana. There is no evidence that marijuana causes birth defects, however, smoking of any kind is not recommended during pregnancy. The risks and benefits of smoking marijuana should be weighed carefully.

You should avoid drugs like fluconazole, itraconazole and ketoconazole, which are used to stop candidiasis and other fungal infections. Other medications you may be taking for depression, pain, diabetes or other conditions might not be safe during pregnancy. Speak to your doctor and pharmacist about which drugs are safe for you and the fetus.