Question
Should I stop taking Stocrin now that I am pregnant?
17 April 2012. Related: All topics, Pregnancy, South Africa.
Hi. Two weeks ago I did a home test because my periods where late. the result was positive. I then went to see a doctor who suggested I come back in a week. I went back today and I am 7 weeks pregnant.
My worry is that I’ve been taking Stocrin for 9 months. I am so scared that my baby might be affected.
Should I stop taking the medication immedietly, or has the damage been done?
Answer
Firstly, congratulations on your pregnancy.
In response to your question, it is important that you do not stop taking your medication. I can appreciate your concern in not wanting to continue taking it as in the past women wishing to conceive were advised not to use Stocrin (also known as efavirenz), or to switch if they found out they were pregnant whilst taking it.
However, over the past few years, this advice has now changed. Here in the UK, the current UK guidelines for the management of HIV in pregnancy recommend that efavirenz can continue to be used by women considering pregnancy. They also recommend that efavirenz can be used by women diagnosed HIV positive during pregnancy.
There are many reports of women throughout the world who have have continued taking efavirenz during pregnancy.
Can I ask if you are you in contact with groups that support people living with HIV? I ask because many women living with HIV find it helpful to share experiences and ways of coping with being positive and pregnant.
As you are based in South Africa, you may find it useful to contact TAC (Treatment Action Campaign). TAC are based in South Africa and support people living with HIV.
Finally, please follow this link to our guide to HIV pregnancy and women’s health which answers a lot of general questions you may have around HIV and pregnancy.
Good luck for the rest of your pregnancy.
Hi Licia,
This isn’t the type of message board where people get messages any time you comment on their post, but I have put your comment up incase Thandeka sees it and wants to reply.
hi, I just would like to hear from thandeka again on how her pregnancy went and whether did she gave birth to a healthy baby.
Angelina hi, thx for your quick response I cannot explain my joy I’m so happy I went to the clinic where I collect my meds and the doc told me to continue but I wasn’t fully satisfied due to poor services at our clinics. I’ll continue with my meds as from tonight thank u God bless. I started a support group few years ago and I don’t attend now cause I’m in a different town I’ll start as soon as possible, I have a firm support system at home my family very supportive and excited about the new one I hardly slept last night I was so worried I thought of termination but I prayed over it and handed all to God.