Article

Are Triptans Safe to Take in Pregnancy?

Meta-analysis looks at rates of miscarriage, birth defects


 

References

The use of triptans during pregnancy does not appear to increase rates for major congenital malformations (MCM) or prematurity, but may increase rates of spontaneous miscarriage, according to a meta-analysis of 6 studies including 4,208 triptan-exposed pregnancies and 1.5 million controls.

Compared with women with migraine who did not use triptans during pregnancy, triptan use was not associated with increased rates for MCM, prematurity, or miscarriage.

Compared to healthy controls, however, researchers noted a significant increase in miscarriage. In addition, the migraine no-triptan group also had higher rates of MCMs compared to healthy controls.

Citation: Marchenko A, Etwel F, Olutunfese O, Nickel C, Koren G, Nulman I. Pregnancy outcome following prenatal exposure to triptan medications: a meta-analysis. Headache. 2015. doi: 10.1111/head.12500.

Recommended Reading

F. Michael Cutrer, MD
MDedge Neurology
COMMENTARY—A Detailed History and a Neurologic Exam Often Suffice
MDedge Neurology
Should Neurologists Request Imaging for Uncomplicated Headache?
MDedge Neurology
AAN and AHS Update Guideline for the Treatment of Acute Migraine
MDedge Neurology
Stewart J. Tepper, MD
MDedge Neurology
Robert Cowan, MD
MDedge Neurology
Stewart Tepper, MD, and Alan Rapoport, MD
MDedge Neurology
Robert P. Cowan, MD
MDedge Neurology
Headache Care Has Become More Costly and Less Effective
MDedge Neurology
Will Neuromodulation Change the Paradigm of Headache Treatment?
MDedge Neurology