Cyclosporin Eye drops during pregancy

[Tash]

Hi

I was hoping someone could give their opinion on cyclosporin eye drops during pregancy.

Now there is a chance I could be in the very early stages of pregnancy & am currently using the veterinary product optimmune to treat my dry eye. i've been diagnosed with primary Sjogrens.

Despite asking my specialists no one has been able to tell me if the eye drop is safe. I've just been told that taking it in eyedrop form is better than in tablet form but that they wouldn't like to advise me either way.

So I'm a bit stuck, do I stop the eye drops & potentially go backwards on the eye front or continue with the possiblility that there may or may not be a risk & particularly if it turns out I'm not pregnant after all. All the general info I've read states that there hasn't really been any research but there may a risk.

Has anyone been in a minilar postion?

[dianat]

Tash,

Your questions are valid. My recommendation to you would be to contact a pharmacist if you haven't already. They generally have better information than physicians regarding risks and other specifics in regard to drugs. At least you'll have some scientific guidance when making your decision. (As opposed to the guesswork of an anonymous, dry-eye cyber-acquaintance!)

The answers again may not be black and white but, at least you've tried. It is understandable why you should be concerned about the possibility of being pregnant. But it is also fair for you to be concerned about your own comfort and well-being. It's no good to anybody if your eyes are unbearable.

Having been pregnant with dry eye (and assorted other random conditions such as migraines), I have met your quandary many times. There has been only the rare occasion where I have opted for pharmaceutical help. But generally, I chose to avoid such exposure. I would, indeed, be concerned about cyclosporin. I was not using it when I got pregnant, but would have avoided it completely if I had been. Eye drops just as other topical drugs do absorb into your system. There is something about cyclosporin/pregnancy that concerns me. Gut feeling?

Best of luck in your decision-making. Do keep us posted as you become more certain of your situation!

Diana