Methotrexate for Ectopic Pregnancy: A Patient's Experience & Concerns

Question
Hi Brenda, today I am very very sad. My OB doctor gave me Methotrexate for an ectopic pregnancy. For my body wieght he gave me 100mg, an injection on 04/27/2007. I was told that with my levels at 6400 and nothing in my uterus that it was an ectopic prenancy. He wanted to hurry and give me the shot, I was so upset of course. I wanted to wait at least one more week. He told me my levels are too high all ready and he needs to give it now. I trusted him, he's a doctor. It made me so sick all weekend.I thought I would start to bleed or something. On Monday 04/30/2007 my levels went up to 9900. He said he wanted to give me another shot, but because it made me so sick he wanted to wait a week. He sent me for blood and sonogram on Thursday 05/03/2007, my levels went up to 15,554, and the sonogram lady let me see the screen. I seen a little sac with a fetal pole.She couldn't believe the doc gave me meds without confirming ectopic. My doc said at the time he thought it was. Now he wants to do a D&C on 04/08/2007. I am so upset, He told me the baby would have bad birth defects no matter what. I had to get it out. Please help me! Is there anyway, a small chance that my baby wasn't effected by this stupid drug. I want to know all my options before I make another mistake. I have read about side effects, I know they are out there. If I keep it and it works out, how many weeks before they would know if something is wrong? Or do I have to wait till the baby is born to see. Do you know of anyone this ever happen to and they had a healthy baby? Thsnk you much again for your help..  

Answer
Dear Jennifer,

Here is the drug information for you on Methotrexate:
FDA pregnancy category X. Methotrexate can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use methotrexate to treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using methotrexate, whether you are a man or a woman. Methotrexate use by either parent may cause birth defects.
Before you start taking methotrexate, your doctor may want you to have a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant.
If you are a man, use a condom to keep from causing a pregnancy while you are using methotrexate. Continue using condoms for at least 90 days after your treatment ends. If you are a woman, use an effective form of birth control while you are taking methotrexate, and for at least one cycle of ovulation after your treatment ends.

Obviously this is a very heavy duty drug and there is an extremely slim to none chance that this medication would not cause birth defects in an unborn baby. The most common defects seem to be neural tube defects, cleft lip/palate, and limb deformities. For some of these eventualities, they would likely be able to test with a Quad Screen in the 16th week, but for others you would have to wait until delivery. This was a terribly awful and unfortunate situation for you. I just cannot even imagine what you have gone through.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well during this difficult time.

Brenda