Earlier this week, the US FDA has officially approved Diclegis as a viable treatment for pregnant women. Diclegis is a new anti-nausea drug specifically developed for women who have exhausted all natural options to reduce morning sickness.
Diclegis is a delayed-release pill that is taken on a daily basis. A recent study showed that women taking the pill experience some relief from their symptoms in the morning in two weeks. The results also revealed that Diclegis pose little or no risk to the health of the fetus.
Before the decision of the FDA, doctors advised mothers to make changes to their lifestyle and diet to treat severe cases of nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms of morning sickness . These recommendations include eating frequent meals even smaller, mainly composed of bland food and avoiding foods with distinct odors. If dietary changes are ineffective, doctors recommend natural anti-sickens like ginger.
Unfortunately, some women need more than a new regime and ginger ale for treating the symptoms of morning sickness. Doctors are normally reluctant to prescribe anti-nausea medication because it could harm the child. However, the FDA recognizes that the benefits outweigh the Diclegis tiny risks.
"Diclegis is now the only treatment approved by the FDA for nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy, by providing a treatment option for pregnant women seeking relief from these symptoms," said Dr. Hylton V. Joffe of the FDA's Center for drug evaluation and research.
Morning sickness usually disappears after the first quarter. as such, physicians are encouraged to reassess the patient needs to measure Diclegis they progress in their pregnancy.