March 30, 2015 8:37 pm
Q: Dear Dr Ketch, is it safe to take Fansidar in pregnancy? My pregnancy is 4 months old and I was given Fansidar in the hospital. Is it safe to take this?
A: Thanks for writing in.
Fansidar is a specific brand of the drug Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP). It is used for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy. Its use for this is referred to as Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in pregnancy (IPTp-SP).
Is it safe in pregnancy? Yes and no. In the first trimester, it is not recommended for use but from the second trimester, it is considered the appropriate and indeed is recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) for administration to pregnant women. The assumed rule before was for pregnant women to receive 2 doses of this drug (full dose of 3 tablets) but WHO has since clarified that the appropriate regimen is for women to receive the full dose of Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine from week 13 of pregnancy. She should get a full dose at every antenatal visit provided the last dose was taken at least one month before. There is evidence that women who received 3 or more doses of IPTp had children with higher average birth weights than those who got 2 doses.
Your doctor will ensure that the Folic Acid dose you’re getting in your prenatal drugs is not more than 0.4mg. Doses of Folic Acid higher than or equal to 5mg affects the efficacy of the anti-malarial, SP. So, be sure to check with your doctor before you start buying other non-prescribed prenatal vitamins.
For the Nigerians, as we eagerly await the result of our votes, remember to rejoice with whoever wins and let’s play our parts to make Nigeria a great nation.
Good night, people 😀
Posted by chatwithdrketch
Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: Dr Ketch, Low birth weight, Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine
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By Daily Health Tips: It’s World Malaria Day | chatwithketch on April 25, 2015 at 7:21 pm
Thank you for that wonderful enlightenment. You really relieved me of my tension. I’m exactly 13 weeks today & I took my 1st dose of SP today. Thanks.
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By Ayegba, Matachi on July 31, 2015 at 9:57 pm
pls i need to know if to take the fansidar given to me by my doctor at the ante-natal clinic cos am scared of taking it. am now 16weeks and 5days
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By Ose on December 9, 2015 at 11:08 am
Is fansidar safe in breastfeeding
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By elizabeth on February 21, 2016 at 8:32 am
Thanks for the explanation. Please what drug I mean malaria drug should a pregnant woman within 8-10weeks take against malaria.
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By Ugomna on July 8, 2016 at 9:55 am
This was really informative. Am 22wks now & just took my first dose of fansidar 2day. I used to feel feverish at times & my urine is yellowish. I assume, I am infected with fever. Will d fansidar I took get rid of it or its just to prevent incase someone is not infected yet or do I need another brand of anti malaria drug? I hope to get ur useful reply soon. Thank You.
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By Sandibel on July 11, 2016 at 8:28 pm
I am 8 weeks old, please what malaria medicine can I take.
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By Vikky on September 25, 2016 at 12:50 pm
My wife is 4month pregnant can take fancider it was given to her by her doctor.
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By Evangelist Nwabueze on March 2, 2017 at 7:27 am
I am 25 weeks pregnant, the malaria test I did yesterday was positive (1+). Please which anti malaria drugs can you prescribe for me?
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By Badmus Oluwatosin on May 2, 2017 at 12:41 pm
My baby is two weeks old is fansidar safe for me
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By Tina silas on August 29, 2017 at 8:28 pm