Is my wife on right treatment prior to pregnancy?

Q: My 33 years old wife is planning to conceive a baby. We went to a gynaecologist, who prescribed her to take Folvite, Glycomet-1 and Optisulin. What are these medicines for? She is non-diabetic so why has the doctor prescribed optisulin?

A:Optisulin is the brand name. Internationally it contains injectable insulin. However in India, the same brand marketed by Dr. Reddy's contains chromium 500 mcg, folic acid 1 mg, vitamin B12 15 mcg, vitamin B6 3 mg, zinc sulphate monohydrate 27.5. I presume you are referring to the Indian product. Folvite contains folic acid, which is most essential during pregnancy to prevent birth defects. Glycomet contains metformin, which is an anti-diabetic drug but is also used in the treatment of PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) in females. Unless your wife is suffering from PCOD, Glycomet has no role and in fact can cause side effects. Optisulin (India) is also of marginal value. Moreover it also contains folic acid, which is already being taken in the form of Folvite. In uncomplicated, normal pregnancy only Folvite is required. If the Hb is low then iron with folic acid such as J. P. Tone TR, one cap daily may be taken.