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