Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: An update - Part I: Pregnancy

Abstract

The breadth of therapeutic options for the management of dermatologic skin conditions continues to expand rapidly as exemplified by biologics and small molecule drug development. While dermatologists and health care providers are aware of the underlying mechanisms and indications for these therapeutics, there is a recognized practice gap due to an incomplete understanding of the safety of these medications in women of childbearing age during the prepartum, antepartum, and postpartum phases. Although a two-part continuing medical education review was published regarding the prescribing practices and safety profiles of these new therapeutics in women of childbearing age while pregnant or lactating in 2014, many new medications have been approved since then. Herein, we will update the safety of dermatologic therapies during pregnancy and Part II will review the safety of medications during lactation.

Keywords: acne; alopecia; antibiotic; antifungal; antihistamine; antiviral; atopic dermatitis; biologics; breast milk; breastfeeding; corticosteroid; cosmetic; fetus; gestation; immunosuppressant; lactation; medication safety; nursing; parturition; phototherapy; practice; pregnancy; psoriasis; rosacea; surgery; therapeutics; trimester.