USE OF IBUPROFEN IN PREGNANCY

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat acute and chronic pain, and in the management of arthritis.

Use of NSAIDs in pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), oligohydramnios, premature closure of the ductus arteriosus (DA), structural cardiovascular defects and a number of other congenital anomalies, including orofacial clefts. However, the available data are limited, confounded and often conflicting; further research is therefore required to define the risk of these outcomes more accurately.

Twenty studies collectively including more than 20,000 ibuprofen-exposed pregnancies have investigated the risk of adverse fetal effects following in utero exposure. These studies have provided conflicting evidence, with a small number of individual studies describing increased risks of miscarriage, overall and specific malformations, and low birth weight. However, it is possible that confounding has affected the interpretation of these data. Further studies using additional datasets are required before robust conclusions can be drawn concerning the fetal effects of maternal ibuprofen use in pregnancy.

There is no robust evidence of an association with intrauterine death/stillbirth, preterm delivery or neurodevelopmental impairment. No controlled studies investigating malignancy risks were located.

Exposure to NSAIDs after 30 weeks of gestation has been associated with an increased risk of premature closure of the DA and oligohydramnios. These effects are thought to be mediated by the inhibitory effect of NSAIDs on prostaglandin production. There have been case reports of premature closure of the DA occurring after ibuprofen use in pregnancy. There are also conflicting findings regarding the risks of PPHN following antenatal use of NSAIDs. Further evidence is required before this possible association can be confirmed. Where published data concerning the fetal effects of gestational exposure are unavailable or limited, a possible class effect for these associations should be considered for all NSAIDs.

All NSAIDs should, where possible, be avoided during the third trimester. In circumstances where the maternal clinical condition requires treatment with ibuprofen during the third trimester, discussion with a Fetal Medicine Unit regarding antenatal monitoring for oligohydramnios and ductus arteriosus patency is recommended. Where use of ibuprofen is being considered at any stage of pregnancy, the available pregnancy data should be discussed with the patient to support informed decision-making regarding the risks and benefits of treatment.

Please refer to the NSAID overview monograph for more information. Other risk factors may also be present in individual cases which may independently increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. Clinicians are reminded of the importance of consideration of such factors when performing case specific risk assessments.