*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Pregnancy Breastfeeding And Fertility While Taking Olmesartan

NHS medicines information on olmesartan and whether you can take it while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Olmesartan and pregnancy

Olmesartan is not recommended in pregnancy. It can reduce the level of fluid around your baby, particularly if you take it in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This can result in long-term damage to your baby's kidneys and lungs as well as other problems.

It's best to stop taking olmesartan before getting pregnant, but you may be able to keep taking it until you have a positive pregnancy test and then stop. Your doctor will discuss what's best for you, based on your condition and the risks and benefits of olmesartan.

If you're already pregnant, stop taking olmesartan and talk to your doctor straight away. Usually your doctor will be able to prescribe a different medicine that is safer to take in pregnancy. Olmesartan should be stopped by the time you're 12 weeks pregnant.

It's important to use contraception if you're taking olmesartan and plan any pregnancy with your doctor or specialist carefully. They will review your condition and medicine before you get pregnant.

Olmesartan and breastfeeding

It may be OK to take olmesartan while breastfeeding, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist first. It's best not to take olmesartan if your baby was born prematurely, but your doctor will help you decide.

It's not yet known how much olmesartan gets into breast milk. There is a very small risk that it could also lower your baby's blood pressure. Until we know more about olmesartan in breastfeeding, your doctor may recommend a different medicine for you to take.

Talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor if:

your baby is not feeding as well as usual
your baby seems unusually sleepy
your baby looks much paler than normal
you have any other concerns about your baby

Olmesartan and fertility

There's no evidence that olmesartan reduces fertility in men or women.

But speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant.

For more information about how angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) like olmesartan can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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