Does taking ondansetron increase the chance for miscarriage?
Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Studies have not reported a higher chance of miscarriage with use of ondansetron in pregnancy.
Does taking ondansetron increase the chance of birth defects?
Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at published data to try to understand if an exposure, like ondansetron, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. A few studies reported a less than 1% (less than 1 in 100) increase in the chance for a cleft palate (an opening in the roof of the mouth that can be repaired with surgery) or a heart defect. Other studies have not confirmed these findings. Most studies have not reported an increased chance for birth defects among thousands of individuals who used ondansetron in pregnancy.
Does taking ondansetron in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?
Studies did not find a higher chance of pregnancy loss, preterm delivery (delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy), or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth) when ondansetron was used during pregnancy.
When taken at high doses, there have been reports that ondansetron might cause a heart rhythm problem (called QT interval prolongation) in the person taking ondansetron. In severe cases, this could become an abnormal heart rhythm known as Torsades de Pointes. If you are taking ondansetron, talk to your healthcare provider about your dose and how to watch for changes in your heart rhythm.
Does taking ondansetron in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?
One study looked at 78 infants who were exposed to ondansetron at any time during pregnancy. When examined between 7 days to 2 months of age, there were no unusual behaviors reported. A single follow-up survey asking about behavior was sent in by parent of about 25 of these children. The children were between 1½ years to 5½ years old. No behavior differences were reported in these children compared to children who were not exposed to ondansetron during pregnancy.
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