Q. Now that we’re trying to get pregnant, all the medical attention is on me. But what medications should my husband avoid?
A. You and your husband should both notify your doctors that you’re trying to conceive before you stop or start taking any medication. There are prescription drugs that can affect sperm, and your husband may be advised to avoid these (and find a safe substitute if necessary). These include:
Clomipramine (Anafranil)
This is used to treat depression and other conditions. There have been some case reports of decreased sperm volume, morphology (shape), and motility (movement) in men using this drug.
Dutasteride (Avodart) and finasteride (Propecia)
Used to treat enlarged prostate gland and male pattern baldness, both drugs have been shown to increase the risk of adverse effects in pregnant women and should not physically be handled by women trying to conceive. Drug companies report that when men take these there is no risk to the fetus when exposed through semen.
Interferon
Treats hepatitis, certain types of cancers, and other conditions. Taken by the man or the woman at the time of conception, interferon can lead to birth defects. Stop dosage at least six months before trying to conceive.
Methotrexate
Also used to treat cancer, as well as arthritis, methotrexate should be stopped at least three months before trying to conceive.
