As healthcare practitioners, it’s crucial that you ensure the safety of your patients, especially when it comes to administering injectable S4 medications.
This communication outlines the contraindications related to pregnancy and provides guidance on how to handle various scenarios involving patients who are pregnant, attempting to conceive, or undergoing fertility treatments.
General Contraindication: Injectable S4 medications are completely contraindicated for any patient who is currently pregnant or actively attempting to fall pregnant, unless specific conditions outlined below are met.
Permitted Scenario: Patients who are trying to become pregnant and are currently on their menstrual cycle may receive treatment. However, they must be advised not to attempt conception for the 4 weeks following their treatment.
Scenarios and Guidelines:
- Trying to Fall Pregnant, Not on Cycle:
- Guidance: Treatment is contraindicated. Advise the patient to wait until they are on their menstrual cycle before proceeding with any injectable S4 medication. They should also be informed that they must avoid conception for 4 weeks post-treatment.
- Trying to Fall Pregnant, On Cycle:
- Guidance: Treatment is permitted. The patient should be clearly instructed not to attempt conception for 4 weeks following the treatment to avoid any potential risks associated with the injectable S4 medication.
- Undergoing IVF Treatment, Awaiting Egg Retrieval:
- Guidance: Treatment is contraindicated. Patients undergoing IVF and awaiting egg retrieval should not receive injectable S4 medications, as the process is sensitive, and any interference could potentially affect the outcome of the treatment.
- Undergoing IVF Treatment, Eggs Retrieved and Awaiting Implantation in the next 4 weeks:
- Guidance: Treatment is contraindicated. Once eggs have been retrieved and the patient is awaiting implantation, it is essential to avoid any injectable S4 medications to ensure the highest possible chance of successful implantation and to minimise any risk to the developing embryo.
Key Points to Communicate to Patients:
- Timing is Critical: Ensure that patients understand the importance of timing in relation to their menstrual cycle or fertility treatments.
- Strict Contraception Post-Treatment: Reinforce the need for effective contraception and avoidance of conception for 4 weeks following any treatment.
Thank you for your diligence in adhering to these guidelines and ensuring the best care for our patients.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Atiyeh Shahriari – Medical Director
