Question

Why shouldn't women who are pregnant or could become pregnant handle the drugs Proscar, Jalyn or Avodart?

a. They contain progesterone
b. They can cause high birth weight
c. They can cause birth defects in male children
d. It's perfectly safe for women to handle these drugs

Answer 1

Women who are pregnant or could become pregnant should avoid handling drugs such as Proscar, Jalyn, or Avodart because they can cause birth defects in male fetuses due to their teratogenic properties.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pregnant women or women who could become pregnant should not handle drugs like Proscar, Jalyn, or Avodart due to the risk they pose to male fetuses. These drugs can cause birth defects in male children, particularly affecting the development of the male genitalia. These medications are classified as teratogens, which are substances that can interfere with the normal development of a fetus and cause developmental abnormalities.

Teratogens can include a variety of substances such as certain prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and drugs of abuse like heroin and cocaine. They also include environmental hazards like certain chemicals and radiation. In the case of Proscar, Jalyn, and Avodart, which are often prescribed for the treatment of prostate enlargement, the active ingredients are known to impact male fetal development negatively. Therefore, to avoid any potential risk of causing harm to a developing fetus, women who are or may become pregnant should be cautious and avoid handling these medications.