Can my wife stop taking SLE medicines during pregnancy?

Question

Hi doctor,

My wife is 30 years old. She was diagnosed with an initial stage of SLE six months ago. For the past six months, she has been taking MMF tablets (500 mg three tablets per day), Flunil (20 mg per day), and Wysolone (5 mg per day). She is also having chronic problems such as hair loss, finger numbness, and frequently getting tired. Since we are planning to have a child (first), the doctor told us to stop the medication for six months before pregnancy. We would like to have some clarification for the following:

If she stops taking medicines during pregnancy, what kind of adverse effects will there be?
Are there any other complications to the mother or child because of SLE? Is it advisable to have a pregnancy with or without tablets?
Even without pregnancy, how does SLE have an impact on her health?

Kindly advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

She cannot stop taking medicines during pregnancy; the tablet MMF (Mycophenolate mofetil) can be replaced by HCQS (Hydroxychloroquine), and low-dose steroids can be continued. SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) disease activity increases during pregnancy in some patients, especially when they develop low platelet count.

With proper medication, she can have a good life expectancy unless her kidneys are affected by SLE. She should get examined by a rheumatologist for SLE disease activity and decide to change MMF, which is used asan add-on medicine unless her kidney is involved.

For more information, consult a rheumatologist online.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.