Q: I have ulcerative colitis since the past four and a half years. I am under treatment and I am taking Asacol, Azathioprine (50 mg), and Ranitin (150 mg). Since there was a relapse, Wysolone has been prescribed with dose reducing to 7.5 mg from 30 mg till date. I have tested positive for pregnancy during this period of taking wysolone and azathioprine. Will these drugs affect the growth of the child during the first three months? What will be the effects? Should we carry on with the pregnancy or not?

A:Asacol is the brand name of a medicine called mesalazine. Ranitin contains ranitidine. Wysolone is the brand name of prednisolone. Azathioprine is the generic name. None of the medicines mentioned above would cause any malformation in the baby if taken during the first trimester (three months) of pregnancy. However azathioprine should be avoided since in some rare cases it may retard the growth of the baby. It should only be taken if the disease is severe and not controlled with other medicines. There is absolutely no reason at all to terminate pregnancy.