Question
I found out I’m pregnant while taking efavirenz?
18 June 2012. Related: All topics, Pregnancy.
I found out I was pregnant when already on Atripla and my concerns were what I had read up on efavirenz (initially). I’m 43 and this is my first pregnancy, and this latter issue is now more worrisome than the previous one. Your input, please!?
Answer
Hello, thank-you for your question. And congratulations on your pregnancy!
Many women who are pregnant or trying to conceive contact us to ask about efavirenz.
Many years ago, efavirenz was not recommended during pregnancy.
Much more recent data has shown that these concerns are no longer important.
Many women have safely become pregnant when they are already taking ARVs, including efavirenz (or Atripla which contains efavirenz).
UK guidelines recommend that efavirenz can continue to be used by women who want to become pregnancy. They also recommend that efavirenz can be used by during pregnancy.
You also said that you are concerned about this being your first pregnancy at 43. I’m not a maternity expert and I can’t give you much advice about this. It’s important to talk to your doctor or midwife about your concerns. Many women who become pregnant in their late 30s and early 40s have perfectly healthy pregnancies and babies. It’s important to get advice from your healthcare team to help make your pregnancy as healthy as possible.
Our guide to HIV, pregnancy and women’s health is available to read online or to download. The guide contains information about many issues around pregnancy and HIV, including mother to child transmission; prenatal care and delivery choices. You can access it at this link: HIV, pregnancy and women’s health.
Am HIV positive and I just found out am pregnant and I’ve been taking Atrozia, is my baby at risk of being HIV positive?
Hi Esihle,
Yes this is fine.
I just want to ask, is it safe to remove ARVs from its container and put it in another container, like pill plastic bag?
Hi Hild,
As the above post explains, its safe to use efavirenz when you’re pregnant. Therefore, if you want to continue with your pregnancy then you can.
Am on efavirenz and pregnant, can I continue?
Hi Miriam,
I’m sorry that you’ve lost your baby. Women miscarry babies for all sorts of reasons. Being on ARVs however, isn’t one of them.
I’ve just miscarried at 7 weeks. I’m on Atripla. Is this why I miscarried?
Hi Makhosi,
Because you are bleeding during a pregnancy it’s important that you seek medical attention straight away. This is not HIV related.
I’m taking efavirenz and I’m two months pregnant. Now my problem is for one week now I have been bleeding severely and I feel so much pain on lower abdomen and on my back.
Hi Kiara,
Congratulations on your pregnancy.
Tenolam E is ok to take when you’re pregnant, so please don’t worry about this. What isn’t common is still menstruating when pregnant. Therefore, you should speak to a doctor about this.