Worried About Taking the Wrong Medication During Pregnancy

Question #29025

22 days ago

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Worried About Taking the Wrong Medication During Pregnancy - #29025

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Hola, tengo 11sdg. En el servicio medico del IMSS se equivocaron al darme un medicamento del cual no fui consciente verificar que era lo que me habian recetado, me dieron glibenclamida en vez de ácido folico. Lo tome por 17 dias, una cada 24 horas y estoy sumamente preocupada de que le haya causado algun daño a mi bebé. Hay posibilidad de que exista daños severos?.

How did you feel while taking the medication?:

- Moderate symptoms

Have you experienced any unusual symptoms since stopping the medication?:

- None

Have you had any prenatal check-ups since this incident?:

- Yes, recent check-up

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat

I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.

22 days ago

Hello
Thank you for sharing this, and I can understand how worried you must feel. Glibenclamide is a medication used to lower blood sugar, usually for people with diabetes. Accidentally taking it instead of folic acid during pregnancy is not common, but let me explain what this could mean:
What are the risks?
- The main concern with glibenclamide is that it can lower your blood sugar (cause hypoglycemia). If you did not have symptoms like shakiness, sweating, confusion, fainting, or seizures during those 17 days, it is less likely that you had severe low blood sugar.
- There is limited evidence about glibenclamide causing birth defects or severe harm when taken in early pregnancy, especially for a short period and at low doses. Most studies do not show a strong link to birth defects, but data is not complete.
What should you do now?
- Stop taking glibenclamide immediately (if you haven’t already).
- Inform your obstetrician or gynecologist about what happened as soon as possible. They may want to monitor your pregnancy more closely, possibly with extra ultrasounds or tests.
- Continue taking folic acid as recommended.
- Watch for any symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, sweating, confusion) and eat regular meals.
Reassurance:
- Most likely, if you did not experience severe hypoglycemia, your baby will be fine. The risk of major harm is low, but your doctor will want to keep a close eye on your pregnancy to be sure.
If you have any symptoms now or feel unwell, please see a doctor immediately.
Thank you

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Dr. Shayeque Reza

I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.

22 days ago

being around 11 weeks pregnant and having taken **Glibenclamide mistakenly for 17 days instead of folic acid—it is understandable to feel worried, but the overall risk of severe harm to the baby is generally low. Glibenclamide is sometimes even used under medical supervision in pregnancy for diabetes, and it does not commonly cause major birth defects, especially if you have not experienced significant side effects and your recent check-up was normal. The main concern with this medication is blood sugar lowering (hypoglycemia), rather than direct harm to fetal development. However, since Folic acid is very important in early pregnancy, you should start or continue it now as advised by your doctor. It is important to keep regular prenatal visits and consider routine scans to monitor the baby’s development. In summary, while the situation is stressful, serious damage is unlikely, and with proper follow-up and care, your pregnancy can still progress normally.

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Dr. Nikhil Chauhan

I am currently working as a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon at Graphic Era Medical College & Hospital, Dehradun. It's a role that keeps me on my toes, honestly. I handle a pretty wide range of urology cases—stones, prostate issues, urinary tract obstructions, infections, you name it. Some are straightforward, others way more complex than you expect at first glance. Every patient walks in with a different story and that’s what keeps the work real for me. Kidney transplant surgery, though, that’s a whole different zone. You’re not just working on anatomy—you’re dealing with timelines, matching, medications, family dynamics, emotional pressure... and yeah, very precise coordination. I’m part of a team that manages the entire transplant process—from evaluation to surgery to post-op care. Not gonna lie, it’s intense. But seeing someone who’s been on dialysis for years finally get a new shot at life—there’s nothing really like that feeling. In the OR, I’m detail-focused. Outside of it, I try to stay accessible—patients don’t always need answers right away, sometimes they just need to feel heard. I believe in walking them through what’s going on rather than just giving reports and instructions. Especially in transplant cases, trust matters. And clear, honest conversation helps build that. Urology itself is such a misunderstood field sometimes. People ignore symptoms for years because it feels “awkward” or they think it’s not serious until it becomes unmanageable. I’ve had patients who came in late just because they were embarassed to talk about urine flow or testicular pain. That’s why I also try to make the space judgment-free—like whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. At the end of the day, whether I’m scrubbing in for surgery or doing OPD rounds, I just want to make sure what I do *actually* helps. That the effort’s not wasted. And yeah, some days are frustrating—some procedures don’t go clean, some recoveries take longer than they should—but I keep showing up, cause the work’s worth doing. Always is.

22 days ago

Hi there.
Here are the key points:
· Glibenclamide is a diabetes medication. It is not used for routine pregnancy care and is generally avoided in the first trimester.
· Taking it for 17 days at 11 weeks of gestation may carry a small increased risk of certain birth defects, but severe harm is not guaranteed.
· The fact that you had moderate symptoms while taking it but no unusual symptoms after stopping is reassuring.
· You’ve already had a recent prenatal check‑up—that’s good. Be sure your obstetrician knows exactly what happened so they can plan targeted ultrasounds for fetal monitoring.
Do not panic. Many women have inadvertent medication exposures and go on to have healthy babies. Your next step is to discuss this openly with your OB.
Dr. Nikhil Chauhan

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Dr. Bharat Joshi

I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.

22 days ago

Hello dear
See as per clinical history
Glibenclamide is used for gestational diabetes
It is not a major teratogen
However it can cause
Hypoglycemia
Dizziness
Headache
Confusion
So please consult the concerned physician for better clarity and don’t stop medication of your own
However folic acid is to be continued with current dose to combat
Iron health
General weakness
Heamorrhage
Hopefully you recover soon
Regards

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Dr. Arsha K Isac

I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.

22 days ago

Hello
Taking Glibenclamide instead of Folic acid for 17 days during early pregnancy is understandably worrying, but severe damage to the baby is unlikely in most cases.
Glibenclamide is sometimes even used in pregnancy for women with diabetes, and current evidence does not show a high risk of birth defects when it is taken unintentionally for a short period. Since you stopped the medication and already had a recent prenatal check-up, that is reassuring.
The most important next step is to continue routine prenatal care and take folic acid now as prescribed. Your doctor may recommend standard monitoring, such as an ultrasound around 18–22 weeks, to check the baby’s development, which is routine for all pregnancies.
In summary: the possibility of severe harm is low, and most pregnancies in this situation progress normally. If you notice symptoms like persistent low blood sugar (dizziness, sweating, fainting) or if your doctor has specific concerns, they may do additional monitoring, but this is usually precautionary.

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Dr. Alan Reji

I'm Dr. Alan Reji, a general dentist with a deep-rooted passion for helping people achieve lasting oral health while making dental visits feel less intimidating. I graduated from Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences (batch of 2018), and ever since, I've been committed to offering high-quality care that balances both advanced clinical knowledge and genuine compassion for my patients. Starting Dent To Smile here in Palakkad wasn’t just about opening a clinic—it was really about creating a space where people feel relaxed the moment they walk in. Dental care can feel cold or overly clinical, and I’ve always wanted to change that. So I focused on making it warm, easygoing, and centered completely around you. I mix new-age tech with some good old-fashioned values—really listening, explaining stuff without jargon, and making sure you feel involved, not just treated. From regular cleanings to fillings or even cosmetic work, I try my best to keep things smooth and stress-free. No hidden steps. No last-minute surprises. I have a strong interest in patient education and preventive dentistry. I genuinely believe most dental issues can be caught early—or even avoided—when patients are given the right information at the right time. That’s why I take time to talk, not just treat. Helping people understand why something’s happening is as important to me as treating what’s happening. At my practice, I’ve made it a point to stay current with the latest innovations—digital diagnostics, minimally invasive techniques, and smart scheduling that respects people’s time. I also try to make my services accessible and affordable, because good dental care shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone.

21 days ago

I understand your concern. Glibenclamide can lower blood sugar, but it is not strongly associated with major birth defects when taken early in pregnancy; the main risk is low blood sugar in the mother.
Since you’ve had a recent prenatal check-up and no significant symptoms, that is reassuring, but you should now continue proper care and start taking Folic acid regularly.
Please follow up with your gynecologist/obstetrician for monitoring (like ultrasound), but in most cases this exposure does not cause severe harm to the baby.

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Dr. Aarav Deshmukh

I am a general physician with 8 years of practice, mostly in urban clinics and semi-rural setups. I began working right after MBBS in a govt hospital in Kerala, and wow — first few months were chaotic, not gonna lie. Since then, I’ve seen 1000s of patients with all kinds of cases — fevers, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, infections, you name it. I usually work with working-class patients, and that changed how I treat — people don’t always have time or money for fancy tests, so I focus on smart clinical diagnosis and practical treatment. Over time, I’ve developed an interest in preventive care — like helping young adults with early metabolic issues. I also counsel a lot on diet, sleep, and stress — more than half the problems start there anyway. I did a certification in evidence-based practice last year, and I keep learning stuff online. I’m not perfect (nobody is), but I care. I show up, I listen, I adjust when I’m wrong. Every patient needs something slightly different. That’s what keeps this work alive for me.

20 days ago

Tomar glibenclamida durante el embarazo, especialmente en el primer trimestre, no es lo ideal, ya que este medicamento se usa generalmente en el tratamiento de la diabetes tipo 2 y puede tener efectos en la regulación del azúcar en sangre. Sin embargo, cuando se utiliza incorrectamente y sin necesidad, como en tu caso, la preocupación principal es el riesgo de hipoglucemia —niveles bajos de azúcar en sangre— que podría afectar la salud de la madre. El uso de glibenclamida no está comúnmente asociado con malformaciones congénitas o daño severo al feto, pero como en todos los casos de exposición a medicamentos durante el embarazo, siempre hay un pequeño grado de incertidumbre en cuanto a los efectos a largo plazo. Es importante que converses con tu médico para evaluar adecuadamente cualquier posible riesgo y para realizar los exámenes prenatales pertinentes que monitoreen el desarrollo del bebé. Además, es esencial asegurarte de que estás recibiendo un suplemento adecuado de ácido fólico ahora mismo, ya que este es crucial para prevenir defectos del tubo neural en el bebé. En situaciones como esta, busca siempre asesoría obstétrica y, si es necesario, realiza ecografías adicionales para asegurarte de que todo el desarrollo está siguiendo el curso esperado.

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