A national shortage of several medications is putting women at risk during pregnancy, according to research published in the Medical Journal of Australia.
The research was conducted by three doctors specialising in pregnancy and birth. It called for the Government to import more medications that can be used safely in pregnancy.
They also argued pregnant women need to be better represented in clinical trials. This could lead to a broader range of pregnancy-safe medications, and help ease the possibility of future shortages.
Findings
The doctors said there had been “recent supply constraints” and a shortage of blood pressure medications in Australia that are safe to use during pregnancy.
There are over 50 medications available in Australia to treat high blood pressure, six of which have been approved for pregnant women.
All six were developed over 30 years ago.
The doctors say this shows the “structural disadvantage” and access to effective medication in pregnancy.
Trials
One recommendation was for more pregnant women to be included in clinical trials, where they are currently “significantly underrepresented”.
The doctors argued pharmaceutical companies don’t want to test the effects of medications on pregnancy because of “the thalidomide tragedy” in the 1960s — when an anti-nausea medication prescribed to mothers was found to cause disabilities in thousands of babies.
As a result, the development of new drugs that are safe for use in pregnancy has slowed.
“The exclusion of pregnant women and women of reproductive age from clinical trials not only puts them at risk but also denies them the benefits of medical advancements that other populations enjoy.”
Professor Dr Amanda Henry, co-author
Lack of supply
Old, cheaper medications, which have generic options, are accessible to be prescribed to pregnant women.
However, the doctors argued, there is less incentive for a commercial body to sponsor cheap medications. This causes limited supply, and in some cases, discontinuation.
Experts have called for a new Government body to fund, import, and regulate critical pregnancy medications.
