A study published by UCLA and supported, in part, by the Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation found no evidence linking Zofran to birth defects.
“What was really significant to me was that women with extreme morning sickness who took Zofran reported fewer miscarriages and terminations and experienced higher live birth rates,” Fejzo said. “Taking this medication helped them get through their pregnancies and gave them their desired outcome, a live birth.”
Marlena Fejzo, PhD
Source: UCLA Health
Read the full study or HER Foundation collaborative research.
“In this retrospective study, data on outcomes were collected on 1,070 pregnancies exposed to Zofran and compared to outcomes in two control groups, 771 pregnancies in women with a history of HG with no Zofran exposure and 1,555 pregnancies with neither a history of HG nor Zofran exposure. Heart defects were reported in five of 952 infants in the HG/Zofran-exposure group and in eight of the 1286 infants born to women who did not have HG and were not exposed to Zofran. Cleft palate was reported in one of 952 live births in the HG/Zofran-exposure group and in two of 1286 in the women who did not have HG and did not take Zofran.”
“This retrospective cohort study is part of a larger, ongoing investigation evaluating the genetics and epidemiology of HG. Eligible patients were primarily recruited through advertising on the Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation Web site at www.HelpHer.org between 2007 and 2014.”
“This study suggests that having a history of HG, not the exposure to Zofran, may be associated with an increased risk of birth defects,” Fejzo said. “Women have to weigh the evidence of the efficacy of one of the most effective drugs for nausea and vomiting against the risk of birth defects. Women and their babies need nutrition during pregnancy, and if they have less nausea and vomiting that goal may be accomplished.”
Marlena Fejzo, PhD
Source: UCLA Health
