Ask a doctor on the topic of Gynecology

Sibutramine in the first weeks of pregnancy

August 25, 2010 | 10,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ralf Berg

Due to unawareness of my pregnancy, I took ONE capsule of sibutramine in the 4th or 5th week of pregnancy. I am afraid to confess this "mistake" to my OB-GYN. Should I be worried? Could something happen to the unborn baby?

Dr. med. Ralf Berg

Dear patient,

if you have actually only taken one capsule of sibutramine, I can reassure you. Only 10 or 15 mg of the active ingredient may have entered your body. The famous doctor Paracelsus coined the phrase "the dose makes the poison", which means that in your case, with only one tablet, there will be no problems. Feel free to confess to your OBGYN, she will tell you the same. According to the information from the manufacturer, no studies have been conducted with the medication during pregnancy. The warning not to take the medication during pregnancy was not because it is known to be harmful, but out of pure caution. Negative effects on pregnancy were only observed in animal studies on rabbits, only at maternal toxic doses, i.e. in cases of overdose of the medication. And it is completely unclear whether these results are applicable to humans. The likelihood that such a low dose could have a significant impact on an otherwise intact pregnancy in the 4-5th week is so low that it can almost be ruled out. Attend the accompanying pregnancy examinations with your OBGYN, "confess", and you and your pregnancy will feel better.

Best wishes,
Dr. Berg