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Oral Decongestants Linked to Rare Birth Defects

 Pregnant women are frequently warned to avoid medications because they might be harmful for the fetus. But over-the-counter drugs are often perceived as safe, even during pregnancy.

A new study suggests that women should avoid oral decongestants because of a possible link to rare birth defects. Ingredients such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are found in many OTC allergy, cold and sinus remedies. Researchers found an association between such drugs and heart or limb defects.

These problems are so rare that the heart defect the researchers detected occurs among only 3 babies in 10,000 births. Even tripling the risk means the condition is still extremely rare. Still, mothers-to-be would be wise to avoid decongestants during pregnancy.

[American Journal of Epidemiology, online, July 3, 2013]

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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