This sheet is about using azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is azathioprine and 6-MP? Azathioprine and 6-MP are medications that decrease the activity of the body’s immune system. These medications are closely related to each other. In the body, azathioprine breaks down into 6-MP. Azathioprine and 6-MP are used to treat autoimmune …
The Baby Blog: Rheumatology
Ustekinumab (Stelara®)
This sheet is about exposure to ustekinumab in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is ustekinumab? Ustekinumab is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and active psoriatic arthritis. It is given as an infusion into a vein (IV) or as an injection under the skin. Ustekinumab is sold under the brand name Stelara®. MotherToBaby has fact …
Ankylosing Spondylitis
This sheet is about having ankylosing spondylitis during a pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is ankylosing spondylitis? Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a kind of arthritis that mostly affects the spine. Arthritis is a general term for inflammation or swelling of the joints in the body. Symptoms of AS can include swelling, stiffness, and pain. Sometimes, advanced AS can lead …
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
This sheet talks about having psoriasis and / or psoriatic arthritis in a pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis? Psoriasis is a skin condition in which skin cells grow faster than usual. This can leave dry, thick patches on the skin. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of this condition. It usually affects skin on the elbows, knees, buttocks and …
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This sheet is about rheumatoid arthritis in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is rheumatoid arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a kind of arthritis that mainly affects your joints. It is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system doesn’t work the way it should, causing inflammation (swelling) in the joints. Symptoms can include swelling, stiffness, discomfort, pain, and …
