For patients
Familial Mediterranean fever and autoinflammatory syndromes
FMF, familial Mediterranean fever, autoinflammatory disease, periodic fever
Are you a clinician? See the clinical version of this page.
The short versionFamilial Mediterranean fever pregnancies generally go well when colchicine is continued. Colchicine is important: it prevents attacks and protects the kidneys long term, so it is not stopped for pregnancy. Attacks can sometimes look like other abdominal emergencies, so tell any team caring for you about your diagnosis.
- Do not stop colchicine for pregnancy; it protects you and the pregnancy.
What to know
Colchicine: keep taking it
Colchicine is continued through pregnancy and breastfeeding. Stopping it risks attacks and long-term kidney problems, so it is protective for you and the pregnancy.
Attacks that mimic emergencies
FMF attacks can cause fever and belly or chest pain that can look like other emergencies. Make sure any team treating you knows your diagnosis.
If colchicine is not enough
If attacks continue despite colchicine, an add-on injection medicine (an IL-1 blocker) may be used and is considered compatible with pregnancy.
Pregnancy outcomes
On colchicine, most pregnancies go well.
iThis page helps you prepare a conversation with your care team. It does not replace individual medical advice. Always confirm your own plan with your rheumatology and pregnancy team.
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When to call your team
- Fever with severe abdominal or chest pain: tell the team you have FMF.
- Do not stop colchicine on your own.
- General pregnancy red flags (bleeding, reduced movements, severe headache).