Zelnorm and Pregnancy

Although Zelnorm has been an effective method for treating for irritable bowel syndrome, there is are a lot of questions about whether Zelnorm and pregnancy can be mixed.

IBS is a common cause of problems in pregnancy

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects many men and women by causing diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and gas. Some people can suffer from several of these symptoms while others may have just one. Symptoms can also come and go. They are triggered by certain foods, hormones, stress, depression, or medications.

The severity of IBS is as individual as the symptoms. Some people can treat the condition by simply changing their eating habits, while others may need to seek medical treatment, including prescription drugs and testing to eliminate other causes of IBS.

What is Zelnorm?

Zelnorm was introduced in the United States in 2004 as a prescription drug used for IBS. Manufactured by Novartis, Zelnorm was unique in that it specifically treated women under 65 years old with constipation-related IBS by increasing the amount of serotonin in the intestines, which speeds up movement of the bowels.

Although physicians and women with IBS had previously noted an increase in IBS symptoms related to menstrual cycles, Zelnorm was one of the first medications that treated IBS by adjusting the amount of hormones in the digestive system.

For many women, Zelnorm was exactly what they needed to treat their IBS. Unfortunately, new information about the drug showed that there is a higher risk of cardiovascular problems in women who take Zelnorm. Thirteen women who were prescribed Zelnorm suffered from heart attacks, strokes, and severe chest pains, and one woman died. Because of these recent findings, the Food and Drug Administration took Zelnorm off the market in late March 2007.

In addition to the heart-related side effects, Zelnorm was also known to cause diarrhea, stomach pain, and headaches in women who took it. In severe cases, patients experienced severe cramping, fainting, and hives.

IBS and Pregnancy

Women who suffer from IBS often report a change in their symptoms during pregnancy. In some women, the IBS goes away or their symptoms lessen during the nine months, while other women see an increase in their symptoms. Some women who have never had problems with IBS may develop it for the first time during pregnancy. Since constipation is often a problem during pregnancy, it can be difficult to tell whether it’s IBS or just some standard bowel problems. The duration and severity of the symptoms can help you and your doctor determine if it is really IBS.

About Zelnorm and Pregnancy

Before it was taken off the market, Zelnorm was considered a category B medication. This means that in tests done on lab animals, there seems to be no relationship between Zelnorm and pregnancy problems.

But, considering the recent findings of heart-related side effects, Zelnorm and pregnancy may not be a good mix. Since it has been taken off the market, doctors are no longer prescribing it, although it may be available in the future to women who suffer from severe IBS and have not found any other ways to treat it. In the future, Zelnorm could be given to pregnant women, but they will need to be closely monitored for heart problems.

Alternatives to Zelnorm and Pregnancy

If you have problems with IBS but are worried about combining Zelnorm and pregnancy, there are still several options you can try. Many of the tips doctors recommend for a healthy pregnancy are also good ways to avoid constipation, such as drinking eight glasses of water a day, eating foods high in fiber, and reducing stress.

Following a proper pregnancy diet and getting good prenatal care can also help you avoid some of the problems associated with IBS. Your doctor may be able to recommend some other medications that are safe and approved for use during pregnancy if you continue having constipation problems.

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