Beta Blockers ok while pregnant? - Heart Disorders Message Board

Delia79 · 06-12-2006, 10:43 AM

I have a question/concern and wanted to see if anyone knew what was up with this? My gp and cardiologist both told me that it was ok to take a beta blocker while pregnant. My pharmacist on the other hand told me that if I were his wife, he'd never let me take it. So of course that caused some confusion right off the bat. Nevertheless, I started taking it as at this point I am not pregnant and needed to get my tachycardia under control according to my cardiologist. Now here is my question, the doctors said it was ok, the pharmacist said no, who is right number one? Number two, over the weekend I heard a report that just came out about Ace Inhibators I believe and how pregnant women should not take them due to them causing serious growth issues with the fetus especially in the begining of pregnancy. From my understanding, and the way the report stated it, Ace Inhibtors are prescribed for blood pressures issues, right? And from what my doctor told me, although I do not have high blood pressure, beta blockers are a lot of times prescribed for high blood pressure as well. So in that thinking, if the Ace Inhibitors are bad to take while pregnant, are the beta blockers too? I know you guys aren't doctors but I really want to become pregnant very soon and am not sure what to do and who to believe. Does anyone have any suggestions or know anything further about the affects of beta blockers while pregnant? I read all of the patient information but all it says is that if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant make sure to discuss it with your doctor. And if I did decide to not take it during pregnancy, what harm could that do as well?

missy101 · 06-16-2006, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delia79

I have a question/concern and wanted to see if anyone knew what was up with this? My gp and cardiologist both told me that it was ok to take a beta blocker while pregnant. My pharmacist on the other hand told me that if I were his wife, he'd never let me take it. So of course that caused some confusion right off the bat. Nevertheless, I started taking it as at this point I am not pregnant and needed to get my tachycardia under control according to my cardiologist. Now here is my question, the doctors said it was ok, the pharmacist said no, who is right number one? Number two, over the weekend I heard a report that just came out about Ace Inhibators I believe and how pregnant women should not take them due to them causing serious growth issues with the fetus especially in the begining of pregnancy. From my understanding, and the way the report stated it, Ace Inhibtors are prescribed for blood pressures issues, right? And from what my doctor told me, although I do not have high blood pressure, beta blockers are a lot of times prescribed for high blood pressure as well. So in that thinking, if the Ace Inhibitors are bad to take while pregnant, are the beta blockers too? I know you guys aren't doctors but I really want to become pregnant very soon and am not sure what to do and who to believe. Does anyone have any suggestions or know anything further about the affects of beta blockers while pregnant? I read all of the patient information but all it says is that if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant make sure to discuss it with your doctor. And if I did decide to not take it during pregnancy, what harm could that do as well?

First I want to say that I can say with a lot of certainty that your pharmacist knows nothing of what it feels like to suffere from these types of problems. Or that he is just an shovanist. Not 'let' his wife?? Whatever. Anyway, I took propranolol throughout my ENTIRE pregnancy. I asked the advice from FOUR drs. My GP, OB, EP, and Cardiologist ALL agreed it was fine to stay on it. And everything WAS fine. The pregnancy was completely uneventful (not even any tachy or hardly any PVCs). And baby is great at 21 months now. If you had SVT during pregnancy it could deprive your baby of oxygen which can do damage.

JMO

You do what YOU feel is best.

started04 · 06-16-2006, 12:15 PM

A doctor's opinion may be based on empirical evidence i.e. his/her patient's experience.

Pharmacodynamics is a specialty of your local druggist and his/her opinion scientifically gained by the knowledge of the element components of the drug and the interaction with other drugs to the body's chemistry. Also, there is the reliance on the results of blind studies, continued research and information gathering on current drugs on the market with other newer drugs sold. Understandingly it is the manufacturer's best financial interest to stay alert and keep the public informed as it is the manufacturer who produces the injurious drug who has liability. The doctor who prescribes in spite of the warnings may be negligent so it is difficult to understand the disregard for the probability of an injury.

Generally speaking the pharmacist (if competent) should be the best source for the safety of the drug dispensed. Is there a warning with the medication in question?

missy101 · 06-16-2006, 12:59 PM

Doctors weigh benefit against risk. Many cases the benefits strongly outweigh the risks - this was in my case. Four doctors being negligant and wrong would shock me. But I do often go to pharmacists for advice. And usually get very good advice. But they are people too and bring their own baggage and opinions into things. Look at ppl like Tom Cruise. He acts like he is an expert on medications and says they are all bad. God forbid Katie Holmes had PPD or got a heart arrythmia!! I am sure like your pharmacist, he wouldnt 'let' her take anything. Or how about certain pharmacist who refuse to dispense certain LEGAL drugs?? See, so I wouldnt necessarily take the opinion of ONE pharmacist over 2 doctors who actually KNOW you and your case history..he likely does not have all the necessary info needed to make a decision like that.

eyecandy100 · 06-18-2006, 03:48 AM

I'm pregnant and suffer from PVC's and have also been tacycardia. My cardiologist told me that they do give beta blockers to pregnant women but like everything else during pregnancy the effects are unknown (or at least not enough research) so they weigh up the risks to the mothers and babies health etc.

I have heard that the first 3 months are the worse time to take them??

I am currently 32 weeks pregnant and am struggling to stay off them, my PVC's are getting worse, so i may well start taking them in the next few weeks.

They give beat blockers to pregnant women with high blood pressure/pre-eclampsia etc.