A study by Arthritis Research Canada has found that almost 30% of pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus discontinue their antimalarials (especially in the first trimester) despite these medications being safe and recommended during pregnancy. 

Women with lupus have a higher risk of experiencing pregnancy-related complications like miscarriage, stillbirth, preeclampsia, eclampsia, preterm labor, and fetal growth restriction. The findings of this research point to the importance of educating women with lupus who are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, about the benefits and risks of medications during pregnancy.

Few prior studies have examined medication use in pregnant women with lupus and showed varying frequencies of use prior to conception, during pregnancy, and postpartum. 

To obtain a copy of the paper, contact lead researcher on the study, Mary De Vera, MSc, PhD, Research Scientist of Pharmacoepidemiology, at mdevera@arthritisresearch.ca [9].