Would taking Infliximab endanger pregnancy?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 26-year-old. I am currently working in a hospital. I have been diagnosed with psoriatic spondyloarthropathy six years back. I had severe pain in the right SI joint. Currently, I am not taking medicines except NSAIDs. My MRI was done and it showed MRI joint inflammation. I was advised of Infliximab by my rheumatologist. I do not have any gynecological problems. I got married two years and I want to plan my pregnancy. Would taking Infliximab endangers my pregnancy? Initially, I planned for Infliximab after my delivery, but I could not tolerate the pain. I cannot walk properly. Please help and advise me properly. Would SI joint radiofrequency ablation help with this?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

We are here to help you. Infliximab is a pregnancy category B drug that is it has not shown till now any birth defects in babies in trials. So, it can be used if required. I would not recommend SI joint (sacroiliac joint) radiofrequency at this stage. I would recommend you to discuss with your doctor to start you on Infliximab and you can start planning for a baby once your course is over. So as far as your query is concerned, I feel you can be started on Infliximab as it has promising results and is usually considered safe in pregnancy. You should go ahead with Sulfasalazine and Hydroxychloroquine till you conceive. Painkillers have to be avoided in pregnancy, but Paracetamol can be taken for pain.

Thank you.