Abstract
Although it is recommended that drugs be avoided as much as possible during pregnancy, attitudes towards setting, time and method of the performed studies, and characteristics of the investigated population have been shown to vary. A collaborative and permanent network of different observational points is essential in monitoring and assessing the rational use of drugs, especially during pregnancy. In a context where knowledge is often scant and contradictory, the importance and the need for information on drug use during pregnancy remain unquestioned. If health (drug) information is the interface between those who produce and have knowledge and those who are beneficiaries of such knowledge, information for pregnant women (as well as for all lay people) is mandatory. Initiatives, people and instruments whose job it is to produce and diffuse informations have to be assessed and qualitatively harmonized to adequately answer to questions and needs. Women need information (concerning both pregnancy and drugs) on which to base choices on their own health care (and pregnancy). Clearly, this interaction depends on the kind of information and on the spirit with which it is provided. Thus it is essential that information (especially during pregnancy) be based on transparency and accountability, and it be directed by the principles of equity, effectiveness and affordability.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Domenighetti G, Grilli R, Liberati A. Promoting consumers' demand for evidence-based medicine. Intl J of Technology Assessment in Health Care 1998;14:97–105.
Koren G, Pastuszak A, Ito S. Drugs in pregnancy. N Engl J Med 1998;338:1128–37.
Meredith B. Informing patients about the drugs they take. BMJ 1996;313:5.
Bonati M, Tognoni G. Health Information Centers in Europe. What is their status? How should they develop? Milano 'Mario Negri' Institute for Pharmacological Research, 1995:112.
Hyde CJ. Using the evidence. A need for quantity, not quality? Intl J of Tecnology Assessment in Health Care 1996;12:280–7.
CollaborativeGroup on Drug Use in Pregnancy (CGDUP). Medication During Pregnancy: an Intercontinental Cooperative Study. Int I Gynaecol Ostet 1992;39:185–96.
Oakley GP, Erickson JD. Vitamin A and Birth Defects. The N Engl J Med 1995;333:1414–5.
Medawar C. Potential Benefits of Teaching Children to be Rational Medicine Consumers. In: USP. Children and medicines: Information Isn't Just for Grownups. Proc. Symp., Sept. 29-Oct. 1,1996. Rockville (MD), The United States Pharmacopeia 1997.
Hemminki E, Herxheimer A. Should drug information be an integral part of health care? J Roy Coll Phys Lond 1996;30:104–6.
Elliott BJ, Polkinhorn JS. Provision of Consumer Health Information in general practice. BMJ 1994;308:509–10.
Kroll L, Barnes J, Jones AL, Stein A. Cancer in Parents: Telling Children. BMJ 1998;316:880.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bonati, M., Addis, A. Informing women about drugs they take during pregnancy: promoting consumers' drug information as integral part of case. Pharm World Sci 20, 236–237 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008623722238
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008623722238