Is Essentiale dangerous during pregnancy, and why is it prescribed?

Waiting for a miracle to be born is one of the best periods in the life of every woman. This is a period of happiness, awe, real birth and development in the bosom of the life of a little person. But, unfortunately, this time is often overshadowed by health troubles - sometimes small, and sometimes very large. And this does not happen at all because the woman does not eat properly or does not lead a very healthy lifestyle, but because pregnancy, among other things, also puts a lot of stress on the body, and therefore can undermine the functioning of one or another organ. Most often, a woman's liver suffers during pregnancy.

To normalize its functioning, the attending physician will probably prescribe Essentiale. This is a new generation drug, it is prescribed for liver problems. Essentiale is also prescribed to reduce toxicosis or if a pregnant woman has been diagnosed with gestosis. It is often recommended to take it after childbirth.

Essentiale Forte N and Essentiale N during pregnancy

Essentiale N is a drug used for liver disorders, toxicosis of pregnant women and a number of other diseases. In each of these cases, the doctor prescribes individual treatment.

A course of Essentiale during pregnancy is prescribed for toxicosis, liver problems, etc.

Forms of release of the drug and the principle of its action

Essentiale is prescribed to pregnant women due to its safety and effectiveness. It helps restore hepatocytes (liver cells). Its active ingredient is phospholipids obtained from soybeans. Medicine:

• regulates metabolic processes;
• increases the rate of elimination of toxins by the liver;
• prevents the formation of connective tissue in the liver.

The drug is produced in the form of Essentiale forte N - gelatin capsules with pasty contents, and Essentiale N - a transparent yellow solution for intravenous injections and droppers. Essentiale is the common name for these two forms.

Essentiale protects liver cell membranes and promotes their restoration.

Possible risks in early and late pregnancy

The practice of using Essentiale during pregnancy has not yet shown its negative effects on the body of the mother and fetus. Doctors often prescribe this medication to expectant mothers. However, according to the FDA (the US Department of Health's drug regulatory agency), it is classified as a drug with an unknown risk for pregnancy (Category N) because the necessary studies have not been conducted.

The medicine is able to penetrate the placenta. According to the instructions, it is approved for use in case of toxicosis and gestosis in pregnant women with caution, since the Essentiale solution contains benzyl alcohol. And the use of drugs with this substance in newborns can cause shortness of breath syndrome with a fatal outcome.

How to take Essentiale

The doctor prescribes Essentiale Forte only based on the physiological indicators of the body, the general condition of the expectant mother and the fetus. Based on the results of diagnostics and laboratory tests, the doctor determines the duration of taking Essentiale Forte and the dosage. Usually the drug is taken with meals, 1-2 capsules per day. In the hospital, treatment is carried out with Essentiale Forte solutions, 2 droppers are given per day.

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In any case, all the features of using a drug from the group of hepatoprotectors are explained by the attending physician. Moreover, after starting treatment, the woman undergoes tests so that specialists can determine the extent and result of the effect of the drug Essentiale Forte.

Indications for use of capsules and solution for injection

The reasons for prescribing Essentiale during pregnancy are the following problems:

• chronic hepatitis, in which the drug restores the integrity of liver cells and prevents the formation of connective tissue in it;
• cirrhosis of the liver, in which the medicine at least somehow supports its function;
• fatty degeneration of the liver, in which the drug improves biochemical parameters and organ function;
• toxic liver damage, as well as toxicosis/gestosis of pregnant women, in which the product cleanses the blood;
• psoriasis, in which the drug helps control exacerbation and accelerates remission.

In a pregnant woman, the amount of sex hormones increases, which leads to an increase in the protein-forming and antitoxic functions of the liver, as well as to the activation of carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Damage to liver cells with disruption of its functions during this period can cause the development of fetoplacental insufficiency (circulatory disorders in the placenta) . When cell membranes consisting of phospholipids are damaged, it is necessary to ensure that the required amount of these substances enters the body. And Essential contains a lot of them.

Due to chronic hepatitis, my colleague was prescribed Essentiale during pregnancy. She took the capsules regularly, and in the hospital she was given a course of intravenous injections three times for ten days. Thanks to this treatment, serious complications and deterioration of liver function were avoided.

Essentiale capsules are prescribed for toxicosis and mild gestosis . For moderate and severe gestosis, fetoplacental insufficiency, fetal hypoxia, intravenous administration of a solution is added to therapy . For treatment to be effective, the doctor may prescribe both forms. After the patient’s well-being improves, the injections can be discontinued and the course of therapy can be continued only with capsules. If for some reason their use is impossible, then Essentiale is administered intravenously.

Description and characteristics of the drug

The effectiveness of Essentiale during pregnancy is due to the combination of natural and natural ingredients. First of all, this applies to castor oil and soybean. With the help of additional substances that help good absorption, the regeneration of liver cells, as well as organs interacting with it, is accelerated.

The process of cleansing the body of toxins improves and the metabolic rate increases. The drug helps with severe toxicosis. If diabetes mellitus is diagnosed, then taking Essentiale helps to successfully combat fatty liver.

The drug performs the important task of restoring the structure and function of cells. Combines with drugs that have a similar purpose. To avoid adverse reactions, you must carefully follow the rules for taking the medicine.

Possible harm to the baby and mother, contraindications

Pregnant women should use Essentiale with caution and only on the recommendation of a doctor. The main contraindications for taking the drug are hypersensitivity to the drug and acute hepatitis. Essentiale very rarely causes side effects.

Side effects usually manifest themselves:

• bloating, discomfort in the abdomen;
• increased urge to defecate, diarrhea due to large dosages of the solution;
• swelling of the mucous membranes;
• skin rashes and itching;
• redness and swelling of the injection site.

Such undesirable consequences are most often associated with the characteristics of the body's reactions. If they appear, you should stop using the drug and report the problem to your doctor.

Interaction with other drugs

Essentiale solution and capsules may interact with substances that reduce blood clotting, enhancing their effect. In this case, it is necessary to reduce the amount of anticoagulant.

What are the contraindications?

Essentiale usually does not give a negative reaction during pregnancy. Side effects are extremely rare. The medicine is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to the components.

Individual episodes of allergic symptoms caused by sensitivity to the ingredients of the drug and deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract (indigestion, loose stools) have been recorded. However, the harmful effects of the drug do not occur due to its natural composition.

Essentiale helps to obtain adequate nutrition for the timely growth of the fetus. An overdose exacerbates the allergic reaction and provokes side effects. Symptoms may occur later. The patient may feel discomfort. Signs manifest themselves individually in each woman.

Prescribing a diet while taking the medication limits the consumption of sweet, salty, and fatty foods. If there is intolerance to this drug, the patient may experience an increased attack of nausea.

Sometimes cases arise with more serious consequences. These include severe skin itching, which is accompanied by unpleasant, even painful sensations. The result is a rash (urticaria). Under more unfavorable conditions, Quincke's edema occurs, which is accompanied by attacks of suffocation. Other medications may be prescribed to help keep the mother and unborn baby healthy.

Rules of application

Following the instructions, capsules should be taken with meals, swallowing them whole with a glass of water. When preparing a composition for intravenous infusion, you should avoid mixing Essentiale with other substances in the same syringe. It is contraindicated to use for diluting a solution of a mixture of electrolytes. It is recommended to dilute it with the blood of patients in a 1:1 ratio.

The medicine is injected into the vein in a stream, slowly. In addition, the drug should not be injected into the muscle or subcutaneously, as this may cause tissue irritation. Intravenous use of Essentiale is possible only in a hospital setting under the supervision of a physician .

Side effects

Negative phenomena associated with taking Essentiale Forte N are extremely rare. Usually the drug is well tolerated by all categories of patients. In some cases, the expectant mother may experience diarrhea or severe softening of the stool along with general gastric discomfort.

In several percent of expectant mothers, the product provoked the appearance of skin reactions (urticaria, rash, eczema). Mild to moderate itching may occur.

Side effects usually go away on their own after stopping the drug. If this does not happen, you should consult a doctor.

When should you not take it?

Essentiale Forte N has no restrictions for use during pregnancy. The only contraindication may be critically low body weight (consultation with a doctor is required) or individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Structural and functional analogues

If necessary, Essentiale can be replaced with analogues. A pregnant woman, under medical supervision, can use the medications presented in the table.

Table: Essentiale analogues prescribed during pregnancy

Photo gallery of Essentiale analogues

Taking Livenciale has a complex effect on the gastrointestinal tract

Karsil during pregnancy is used to treat the liver and biliary tract

Hofitol during pregnancy can reduce the level of urea in the blood

Analogues of the drug

Often, obstetricians and gynecologists prescribe effective analogues of Essentiale Forte, which include:

• Ergoferon. Indicated for homeopathic treatment of toxicosis. It is also used in the early stages of pregnancy to prevent gestosis.
• Hofitol. A safe drug for toxicosis. The main component of the medicine is an extract from artichoke leaves. Hofitol significantly facilitates the functioning of the digestive system and supports liver function. Quickly eliminates nausea and vomiting.
• Karsil. We apply strictly according to medical prescription. Indicated for late gestosis, placental insufficiency and other pathological processes during pregnancy.
• Methionine. Prescribed according to an individual regimen in combination with folic acid. Affects all symptoms of early toxicosis.

Since in most expectant mothers toxicosis occurs between 3 and 12 weeks of pregnancy, the treatment option is chosen with extreme caution. Remember that many drugs are teratogenic, causing disturbances in embryonic development, including morphological abnormalities. Accordingly, you cannot self-medicate. The presented drugs do not have a teratogenic effect, while they stop the negative effect of toxins on the fetus in case of severe toxicosis in the mother.

When is it appointed?

The main indication for prescribing Essentiale Forte N to pregnant women is toxicosis, especially in the early stages. In addition, the product can be used if the following indications exist:

• liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.);
• errors in diet (excessive consumption of foods high in fat);
• alcohol intoxication (when the expectant mother drinks alcohol in any dosage);
• taking potent medications (to reduce the severity of side effects and prevent drug intoxication);
• history of gallstone disease (prevention of relapse);
• psoriasis, neurodermatitis and other skin diseases;
• radiation exposure.

Sources

• https://VseProRebenka.ru/beremennost/medicamenty/essenciale-pri-beremennosti.html
• https://puziko.online/mozno-li/ml-lekarstva/essentsiale.html
• https://babytoday.ru/articles/essentsiale-pri-beremennosti/
• https://NashaPechen.com/preparaty/kapsuly/essentsiale-pri-beremennosti
• https://zaletela.net/lekarstva/essenciale-forte-pri-beremennosti.html
• https://jmiss.ru/zdorovie/beremennost/essenciale-pri-beremennosti.html
• https://in-waiting.ru/essentsiale-pri-beremennosti.html
• https://beremennuyu.ru/dlya-chego-naznachayut-essenciale-pri-beremennosti-primenenie-essenciale-forte-pri-beremennosti-instrukciya