What Drugs Can Cause a False Positive Pregnancy Test?
October 6, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Certain medications can potentially cause a false positive pregnancy test result, as they may contain compounds that mimic human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone detected by pregnancy tests. It’s important to note that false positives are relatively rare, and most pregnancy tests are highly accurate. However, if you are taking any of the following medications or have concerns about a false positive result, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider for confirmation:
- hCG Medications: Medications that contain hCG, such as those used for fertility treatments, can lead to a positive pregnancy test. These include Pregnyl, Novarel, and Ovidrel.
- Certain Anti-anxiety Medications: Some anti-anxiety medications, such as buspirone, have been reported to cause false positive pregnancy test results in rare cases.
- Medications Containing Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Some medications, supplements, or injections that contain luteinizing hormone (LH) may cross-react with pregnancy test kits and produce a false positive result. These products are typically used for ovulation induction or to support fertility treatments.
- Antipsychotic Medications: Certain antipsychotic drugs, such as chlorpromazine, may potentially interfere with pregnancy test results in rare instances.
- Certain Urinary Tract Medications: Some medications used to treat urinary tract infections or other conditions can contain substances that might interact with pregnancy test kits.
- Methadone: Methadone, a medication used for opioid addiction treatment, has been reported to cause false positive pregnancy test results in some cases.
- Cancer Medications: Chemotherapy drugs and other medications used in cancer treatment may contain compounds that can interfere with pregnancy tests, leading to false positives.
It’s essential to communicate any medications you are taking or any medical conditions you have to the healthcare provider or testing facility when undergoing a pregnancy test. In some cases, healthcare providers may use quantitative blood tests to confirm a pregnancy, which can provide more accurate results and differentiate between hCG produced naturally during pregnancy and hCG from other sources.
If you obtain a positive pregnancy test result and have concerns about its accuracy, consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and confirmation. They can help determine whether the result is indeed due to pregnancy or if it may be related to medications or other factors.