Q. Can you use Desonide cream and Dextroamphetamine while trying to conceive?

Hi doctor,

I have two specific questions. I am trying to conceive, and I am trying to be as careful as possible about taking any medications that could harm the fetus should I get pregnant. My questions have to do with the two medications. I am currently prescribed Desonide cream 0.05 percent (pregnancy category C) for moderate psoriasis on my face and three to four patches on my limbs, with a large one on the front of my knee. I have been using it a couple of times a week for almost two years (I am still on the same tube), so I am using it sparingly. Although my dermatologist told me that I am safe to use while trying to conceive and even during my first trimester, I wanted to get an opinion from a toxicologist. I intend to discontinue the use of all medications the minute I find out I am pregnant. However, I am questioning the safety of its use during the period I am trying to conceive. I have the same question for a medication I have been prescribed for the past several years for my diagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Dextroamphetamine 5 mg twice a day (I am a busy attorney who needs this small dose of medication to function at the level I need to). My prescribing doctor advises me that I can safely take this medication while trying to conceive but would not recommend it while pregnant. Here is my dilemma. I plan on discontinuing all medications the minute I find out I am pregnant. I take an at-home pregnancy test each month before and after my scheduled menstruation, so I hope even if I got pregnant, it would be before the placenta formed and would not harm the fetus. However, since I have been on these prescribed medications, albeit at low doses, for some length of time, do I need to be concerned about any build-up in my system harming the fetus even if I quit as soon as I know I am pregnant at about three to four weeks? Can I safely continue to take my medications during the "trying to conceive" period? My doctors sound kind of unsure at the same time; they are telling me it is fine. Please help. I am so concerned about our unborn child's safety that I can barely sleep at night.

Hi doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

So, can I safely take my medications while trying to conceive? So I do not need to worry about the build-up of the medicine as I have been taking them for an extended period (affecting the fetus)? I am still confused. Your answer states," this drug has not shown any severe effects on the fetus," about the Desonide cream 0.05 percent. What are possible side effects on the fetus? Whether considered severe or not? Please reply.

Hi doctor,

Thanks for the reply. That helps me feel better. So, to reiterate, do you feel like I can safely continue to use my Desonide topical cream not only during conception but through pregnancy as well? How about in the first trimester? In terms of Dextroamphetamine, I absolutely will quit taking that the minute I find out I am pregnant. Do you feel it would be safe to continue the Dextroamphetamine 10 mg daily while trying to conceive? What effects could this medication have if taken only during the conception period and not after the fourth week of pregnancy? Thank you so much for your quick answers, as I was so concerned about this.

Hi doctor,

Thanks for the reply. I have another question also. Do I need to resend, or shall I ask in the following query?

Hi doctor,

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate your advice. You are so knowledgeable and so professional. You have truly put my mind at ease. I wanted to consult a toxicologist. Also, have you ever worked with women patients in this situation, with these medications, or is your expert knowledge through extensive research and studies?

Hi doctor,

Thanks for the reply. You are awesome. You have cleared my doubts—all the best to you.