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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (standard or coxibs) - prescribing issues - Management
Can NSAIDs be used whilst trying to conceive?
- Paracetamol is the analgesic and/or antipyretic of choice during conception.
- The effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the chances of conception has not been studied.
- If paracetamol is ineffective, occasional, single doses of an NSAIDs are unlikely to affect the chances of conception.
- However, if a woman is having difficulty conceiving or is undergoing investigation of infertility, the NSAID should be withdrawn.
For more information, contact the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS), formerly the National Teratology Information Service (NTIS), on 0844 892 0909.
Basis for recommendation
- The recommendation to avoid NSAIDs is based on advice from the Committee on Safety of Medicines [CSM, 2006].
- The level of risk of NSAIDs on conception is unknown.
- The concern is plausible because NSAIDs inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, and prostaglandins play important roles in ovulation and implantation
- Whilst the level of risk of paracetamol on conception is also unknown, there is less cause for concern because at therapeutic doses it does not inhibit prostaglandin synthesis [Schaefer et al, 2007].
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