Can You Take Omvoh While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

Hey there! If you're reading this, chances are you're juggling one of life's biggest balancing acts - managing your health while growing or nurturing a little one. You might be wondering if it's okay to take Omvoh while you're pregnant or breastfeeding, especially if Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis is part of your daily reality.

Let me be straight with you - there's no simple yes or no answer here. We're walking through some pretty uncharted territory when it comes to Omvoh and pregnancy safety. But don't worry, we're going to break this down together, just like we're having a coffee chat about one of the most important decisions you'll make.

Understanding Omvoh

Omvoh - that's the brand name for mirikizumab - is like a precision tool in your medical toolkit. It's a biologic medication specifically designed for people dealing with moderate to severe Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Think of it as a smart missile that targets the specific inflammation pathways causing your symptoms.

The treatment starts with a few IV infusions - usually three of them spaced a few weeks apart - and then transitions to self-injections for maintenance. It works by blocking interleukin-23, which is basically like putting a lid on the inflammation fire in your gut.

But here's the thing that makes pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations so tricky: women with inflammatory bowel disease face a unique puzzle. When your condition flares up during pregnancy, it can affect both you and your baby. Yet the medications we rely on to keep us well might cross the placenta or make their way into breast milk.

Omvoh and Pregnancy Risks

Let's talk about what we know - and more importantly, what we don't know - about Omvoh pregnancy risks. The honest truth is that we're still in the early chapters of understanding this medication's impact during pregnancy.

Here's what the research tells us so far: there haven't been any human studies specifically looking at Omvoh during pregnancy. That means we're relying on animal studies and what we know about similar medications. The animal studies didn't show developmental problems, but they did have some unexpected findings - including higher rates of embryo loss in the control groups, which makes interpreting the results a bit complicated according to FDA labeling information.

We do know that Omvoh is likely to cross the placenta, which means your baby could be exposed to the medication in the later stages of pregnancy. This could potentially affect your baby's developing immune system, and it's one reason why doctors often discuss delaying live vaccines after birth.

I know this uncertainty can feel frustrating - like you're making important decisions in the dark. But remember, many women have successfully navigated biologic medications during pregnancy with proper medical supervision.

Is Omvoh Safe During Pregnancy

The million-dollar question, right? Is Omvoh safe during pregnancy? Well, we're still gathering evidence, and that's okay. Medicine sometimes moves at a different pace than we'd like.

What we can say is that the decision isn't made in a vacuum. Your doctor will look at several factors: How active is your disease right now? What's your history with other treatments? What are the potential consequences if you stop or change your medication?

Some women have continued biologic treatments throughout pregnancy with positive outcomes for both mom and baby. Others have successfully switched to medications with longer track records before conception. There's no one-size-fits-all approach here, and that's perfectly normal.

Eli Lilly, the company that makes Omvoh, recommends using effective contraception during treatment and for 10 weeks afterward. They've also set up a pregnancy registry to track outcomes - something I think is really important for building our collective knowledge about this medication.

Omvoh Breastfeeding Safety

Now, let's chat about nursing. This is another area where data is limited, but let's explore what we know about Omvoh breastfeeding safety.

The big question mark here is whether Omvoh gets into breast milk. We don't have definitive answers yet, but we can make some educated guesses based on how similar medications behave. Large protein molecules like Omvoh typically have trouble passing into breast milk, and even if small amounts do make it through, they're often broken down by stomach acid before being absorbed by the baby.

Breastfeeding experts generally consider the risk to be very low, but again, we're dealing with limited data. Some doctors suggest waiting a couple of weeks after delivery before restarting Omvoh, especially if you're planning to breastfeed. This gives your baby's system time to adjust without any potential medication exposure.

But here's what I want you to remember: the benefits of breastfeeding are tremendous, and so is the importance of keeping your IBD well-controlled. Sometimes that means weighing these considerations carefully with your healthcare team.

Making Informed Decisions

This is where things get really personal. Your gastroenterologist will work with you to evaluate your individual risk levels by looking at the big picture. They'll consider how active your condition is, how you've responded to other biologics, and what your family history looks like.

From what I've observed in talking with medical professionals, the approach is typically cautious but not fearful. Most doctors use a shared decision-making model - giving you the information you need and helping you make choices that align with your values and circumstances.

I've heard from women who felt completely torn about this decision. "Is my health less important?" one asked me. That question broke my heart because, honestly, your health is incredibly important - not just for you, but for your ability to be present for your family.

Comparing Treatment Options

Sometimes it helps to see how Omvoh stacks up against other common IBD medications during pregnancy. Let me break this down for you:

Medication	Placental Transfer	Known Safety Data	Live Vaccine Guidance
Omvoh	Likely	Very limited	Avoid close to delivery
Adalimumab	Yes (especially late)	More robust data	Avoid 6 months pre-delivery
Vedolizumab	Possible	Some data	Consider delay
Ustekinumab	Yes	Moderate data	Delay

This comparison really highlights why working with your doctor is so crucial. Each medication has its own profile of risks and benefits, and timing matters enormously.

Planning Ahead

If you're thinking about pregnancy, timing can be everything. Many doctors recommend having these conversations before you start trying to conceive. That way, you have time to consider whether switching to a medication with more established safety data might be appropriate for your situation.

And if you find out you're pregnant while taking Omvoh? Don't panic. Contact your prescribing doctor right away, but remember that many women have continued biologics during pregnancy under medical supervision. Your doctor will help you enroll in the pregnancy registry and guide you through next steps.

What I want you to walk away with is this: you're not alone in navigating these complex decisions. There's a whole community of women who have faced similar choices, and healthcare professionals who specialize in high-risk pregnancies and IBD management.

Trusting Your Journey

The truth is, there's no perfect answer tucked away in a medical textbook. Every body is different, every situation unique. Some women have switched medications before conception and done wonderfully. Others have continued their treatment plans with excellent outcomes.

What matters most is having open, honest conversations with your healthcare team. Ask questions, express your concerns, and don't be afraid to seek second opinions if something doesn't feel right. You know your body better than anyone else, and your instincts matter.

Remember that this decision isn't set in stone. As more data becomes available through pregnancy registries and ongoing research, your treatment plan can evolve. Medicine is always learning, always growing, just like you are as you navigate this incredible journey.

Whether you're planning ahead or currently pregnant, take heart knowing that women with IBD are having healthy babies every day. The key is working closely with your medical team, staying informed about your options, and trusting yourself to make the best decisions for your unique situation.

You've got this. And remember, your health matters - not just for you, but for everyone who loves you and depends on you being well.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.