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COPYRIGHT 2002 International Medical News Group
Dermatologists may have only one opportunity to counsel patients on the need for contraception during use of teratogenic drugs, so they should make a concerted effort to provide complete, accurate information and guidance, New York dermatologist Robyn Gmyrek, M.D., advises.
"You don't know what happens when [patients] walk out of your office," said Dr. Omyrek, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University in New York. "That office visit may have been your only opportunity to warn them about the risks associated with your prescription."
All patients of childbearing potential, regardless of age, should be asked whether they are pregnant and warned to discontinue all dermatologic medications and call their dermatologist if they become pregnant, Dr. Gmyrek added.
Pregnancy and Drug Use
Between 40% and 90% of women take at least one drug during pregnancy, she said. Most birth defects occur during the first 3...
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