What treatments for ITP should be avoided during pregnancy?
The treatments often used to treat ITP that should not be used during pregnancy include danazol (Danocrine), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), rituximab (Rituxan), and the vinca alkaloids such as vincristine (Oncovin). Splenectomy should be avoided if possible but if necessary deferred to the second trimester. There is very limited evidence available regarding the use of chemotherapy agents such as cyclophosphamide in pregnant women. The use of these treatments should be restricted to the most critical situations following a careful review of the literature by your physician coupled with careful consultation to understand the attendant risk.
