Conclusion
Considerable variation in the implementation of risk management measures when prescribing teratogenic medications to women of child bearing age is reported in the literature. Factors contributing to this variation require further investigation to understand barriers and facilitators of teratogenic medication risk management within a health system. Further studies of risk management of teratogenic medications, which take these factors into account, will need to be undertaken.
Additionally, a common tendency to over-estimate the risk of teratogenic medications was observed. To achieve the best possible therapeutic outcomes of using teratogenic medications, there is a need to explore the reasons behind this over-estimation. Understanding how teratogenic risk is conceptualised can usefully inform medicines optimisation so that patients derive the intended outcomes of a prescribed medication.
Acknowledgement : not applicable
Conflict of interest statement : All authors have no conflict of interest to declare
Funding information : this systematic review was conducted as part of a PhD degree in pharmacy practice funded by Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
Data availability statement : not applicable