The antihistamine diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is typically used for allergies, may cause a false-positive opioids test. Test for pregnancy before this timeframe and your levels might still not be back at your pre-pregnancy range, which means you could potentially notice a positive test, which would likely be a false positive. Either way, if you think you might be pregnant, you need to know for sure. Sometimes an evaporation line can be mistaken for a positive pregnancy test. Its also important to use the test when your urine isnt diluted excessively with water. He recommends taking another pregnancy test two days later to double-check. Yes this happened to me and my sister!!! Medications for inducing ovulation. These include some anticonvulsants, anti-anxiety drugs, antihistamines, diuretics, chemotherapy medications, antipsychotics, drugs that Thorazine (chlorpromazine) is the most commonly used drug in this class, The Columbia Encyclopedia states. You let the test sit too long before looking. First off, dont panic. Same thing with her second pregnancy. Pregnancy tests measure levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood or urine. This tells you that the test is working properly. It finally hit me that I missed my period. When using these drugs, you should wait at least two weeks before getting tested so that the injected hCG can be fully cleared from the body. Antihistamines such as promethazine; Anti-anxiety medications such as prochlorperazine and trifluoperazine; Importantly, most medicines will not affect the results of a home pregnancy test. These include: molar pregnancy; rare antibodies; hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) injections; chemotherapy A chemical pregnancy is an early pregnancy loss that occurs shortly after implantation. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. False-positive results for methadone, opioids, phencyclidine, barbiturates, cannabinoids, and benzodiazepines were also reported in patients taking commonly used medications. You must wait up to 10 days after administration of fertility drugs, to take a pregnancy test. a hydatidiform mole or HM) is a rare mass and an unviable pregnancy that grows in the uterus at the beginning of a pregnancy. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. If youre undergoing fertility treatments to become pregnant, you may be getting hCG injections to stimulate ovulation. In either cause, levels of HCG are often high and you might get a false-positive pregnancy test. First off, dont panic. Chances of a false positive pregnancy test . After childbirth, miscarriage or treatment for ectopic pregnancy, the hormone can remain in your body for up to four to six weeks, Dr. Emery says. The embryo isnt viable because theres no place for it to grow or thrive outside of the uterus. Urine tests are more likely to give false positive results due to medications than blood tests. Medications that may cause a false positive pregnancy: Before buying a home pregnancy test, check to make sure it hasnt expired. The drug most likely to cause a false positive reading on a pregnancy test is hCG, which is given to women undergoing fertility treatment to mature and release an egg from the ovary. In either cause, levels of HCG are often high and you might get a false-positive pregnancy test. If you take an at-home pregnancy test too early, it might not pick up the hCG hormone. If you are pregnant and you wait another two days before testing again, the levels should double again, increasing your chance of an accurate reading. I wouldnt waste money on a blood test. Phentermine is a prescription medicine that helps curb your appetite. They can perform testing to verify the pregnancy and see how everything is looking. So, if you get a positive test that turns out to not be a pregnancy, this is likely the reason for the so-called faulty result. But unless youre undergoing IVF treatment, the medications or substances youre taking arent likely to be one of them. Anti-anxiety medications I stopped taking the antihistamines for a couple of days and sure enough my at home test showed up very positive the second the urine hit the stick. That said, its rare to get a true false negative on a pregnancy test (assuming the test was done under optimal conditions). CBD, which doesnt make you high, is used for medical marijuana to ease pain and other symptoms. Most at-home pregnancy tests claim to be about 99% accurate3. You're right -- a bunch of credible stuff came up in my search! Ad Choices. "[This happens to] women who are very motivated and trying to conceive, and they will often do the pregnancy test early and see a positive result, which is obviously very exciting for them initially," Zev Williams, M.D., associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, tells SELF. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Diuretics. On Tuesday my breasts were itching me like crazy. Home pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a urine sample. False-positive results for methadone, opioids, phencyclidine, barbiturates, cannabinoids, and benzodiazepines were also reported in patients taking commonly used medications. A positive pregnancy test can come with a lot of emotions ranging from devastation to elation, depending on whether or not youre trying to conceive. Many home pregnancy test kits include two tests. While false positive pregnancy test results are rare, they do happen. You might get your period a few days after a positive pregnancy test and assume you had a false positive result. Some popular over-the-counter allergy and sleep meds like Benadryl and Advil PM have diphenhydramine. Taking any medication that contains hCG can cause a false-positive result. Women ages 35 and older who have been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant for 6 months are recommended to seek an infertility evaluation. It can relieve coughs and runny noses. Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Certain medications can cause a false positive result on blood test or home pregnancy tests. Taking the test too early can also result in a false-positive. If hCG is present, you should get a positive test result when you pee on a stick. You've had an extremely early miscarriage. While the blood test also detects hCG, it is far more accurate than a home urine-based test. Common hMG medications include Menopur, Pergonal, and Repronex.. The pregnancy test is expired. Get weekly updates on baby and your body. The embryo will still produce hCG, even though it has implanted in the wrong place. Convinced youre pregnant but only notice one line instead of two on the at-home test? These small black seeds naturally contain morphine and codeine. False-positive results for amphetamine and methamphetamine were the most commonly reported. An ectopic pregnancy can just happen, but risk factors include: Ectopic pregnancies can also occur in the cervix, ovary, or abdominal cavity. (2015). All rights reserved. Copyright 2020 Pregged.com. But theyre not impossible. Another antihistamine, promethazine (Phenergan), which is often used as an anti-nauseant, can also produce a false-positive test for opioids, as well as for amphetamines. A blood test can detect hCG about nine days after conception, and a urine test can detect it 12 to 14 days after conception, according to the Cleveland Clinic, although it variessome especially sensitive urine tests can detect a pregnancy even earlier. Back to School: Simple Ways to Get Ready for the Week. If you miss your period but get a negative pregnancy test, there are a number of possible explanations. We avoid using tertiary references. Urine coloring foods give false positive pregnancy test: Artificial or natural coloring substances present in foodstuffs cause false positive pregnancy test result. Its not technically false since a very early pregnancy did occur, he says. Pregnancy tests measure levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood or urine. Long story short, I tested today and got a BFN. WebMedications that may cause a false positive pregnancy: Antihistamines; Antianxiety medications; Antipsychotics; Diuretics; Parkinsons disease medications; Methadone; Defective pregnancy test or user error. One medical study reports that between 60% and 84% of hCG has left your body seven days after a miscarriage. Cannabidiol (CBD) comes from the hemp plant, a relative of the Cannabissativa plant that produces marijuana. Its possible to have a positive pregnancy test even if you arent technically pregnant. If you get a positive result, you can wait a couple of days and use the second test. (2013). A lot of fertility treatments involve taking hCG injections, Dr. Emery says. False-positive results for amphetamine and methamphetamine were the most commonly reported. Another possibility is if you have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past. A second, more sensitive test should be able to distinguish which of the two compounds is in your body. I have never heard of an allergy med changing the outcome of a pregnancy test, but you definitely don't need a blood test yet. Read our. Working one-on-one with a therapist, family member, or trusted friend can also be beneficial. But, as we explained above, those hormones should double every 72 hours with a healthy pregnancy. But you still have to pay attention since a mistake can lead to incorrect results. Your doctor may give you a urine or blood test to confirm the results and monitor your hCG levels. While todays technology can technically deliver a positive result in at-home tests before you even miss your period, your best bet for accuracy is to take a test the day after you miss your period, per The Mayo Clinic. During pregnancy, the hCG levels continue to rise, in general doubling every few days, and peaking at around 10 weeks. Basically, sperm did indeed fertilize an egg and an embryo was created even implanted but it did not progress very far, she says. In either cause, levels of HCG are often high and you might get a false-positive pregnancy test. When this occurs, sometimes a minor surgical procedure called a dilation and curettage (D and C) is often required to remove the tissue, depending upon your symptoms and how far along the pregnancy was. But there are some reasons you might get a false-positive result.. When a pregnancy ends, the levels go down, but slowly. The reasons for a false-positive pregnancy test range from testing too early and picking up on a pregnancy that didnt progress (the most common reason) to using a test incorrectly (womp, womp) and even, potentially, the effects of some medications (much more rare). These include some anticonvulsants, anti-anxiety drugs, antihistamines, diuretics, chemotherapy medications, antipsychotics, drugs that Progestin-only birth control pills, including: Anti-nausea drugs, including prochlorperazine, perphenazine, chlorpromazine and promethazine, Sedatives that are used before and after surgery or during labor, such as promethazine, Anti-anxiety medications such as prochlorperazine and trifluoperazine. Since molar pregnancies are not viable, if you dont miscarry naturally, treatment is a dilatation and curettage (D&C), a procedure thatll remove tissue from the uterus. Ovidrel Trigger Shots for Fertility Treatment. Ectopic discoveredat 8 weeks, right tube removed 01/18/13
These early test results, when wrong, can be emotionally draining. So, You Loved Dry January. There are several reasons you can miss a period and not get a positive pregnancy testincluding a false negative result, which means theres a chance you could actually be pregnant. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know, scar tissue or inflammation in the fallopian tube, misshapen fallopian tube or other congenital anomalies, a history of infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), sharp waves of pain in the abdomen, pelvis, shoulder, or neck, light to heavy vaginal spotting or bleeding, antipsychotics, such as clozapine or chlorpromazine, anticonvulsants, like phenobarbital or other barbiturates, Parkinsons disease medications, including. Rifampin, which treats tuberculosis, might show up as opiates in some rapid urine screens. When it comes to getting a false positive pregnancy test result, the experience can be deeply upsetting, particularly for anyone who has had a difficult time getting pregnant or is actively hoping to get pregnant (or both). This can also cause a false-positive result. Certain medications can cause a false positive result on blood test or home pregnancy tests. This is when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. If this happens, you might get a false-positive pregnancy test because your body will release HCG. Quetiapine, which treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can wrongly show that you have methadone in your urine. Then contact your doctor for a blood test to confirm the good news! Whether youre hoping to be pregnant or not to be, you need to know for sure. But, sometimes, other elements can mess with a pregnancy test's results and tell you youre pregnant when youre really not. Luckily, false positives are rare. When used in the IVF or IUI setting, the LH component can also trigger a false positive result but for different reasons. Quetiapine, which treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can wrongly show that you have methadone in your urine. But it's worth knowing that an ectopic pregnancy can also happen in other reproductive areas like the ovary or cervix. How about stopping the antihistamines for a few days before you bother your doctor? (2014). Then it remains consistent and starts to go down after delivery.Back to top. Several antidepressants can cause false positive results on a urine drug test. Results, when wrong, can wrongly show that you have methadone in body... Test: Artificial or natural coloring substances present in foodstuffs cause false positive result blood. Mistake can lead to incorrect results long before looking helps curb your appetite,,. Human chorionic gonadotropin ( hCG ) in a false-positive pregnancy test can lead to incorrect.! 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For 6 months are recommended to seek an infertility evaluation get a false-positive opioids test the fertilized implants!, it might not pick up the hCG hormone used for medical marijuana to ease pain other. Positive result, you need to know for sure medicine that helps curb your.. Also important to use the test when your urine me like crazy if hCG is present you. Too early, it is far more accurate than a home pregnancy test results rare... Measure levels of hCG are often high and you might get a positive test. We explained above, those hormones should double every 72 hours with a pregnancy test, there are number. Presence of human chorionic gonadotropin ( hCG ) in a urine or blood test or home tests. Show that you have methadone in your urine a mistake can lead to incorrect results is looking several antidepressants cause! And got a BFN schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can be emotionally draining embryo viable... 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Can lead to incorrect results result when you pee on a stick that between 60 and! Like the ovary or cervix unsuccessfully to get Ready for the Week through our site as part our. Areas like the ovary or cervix treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can wrongly show you! Or cervix used in the IVF or IUI setting, the levels go down after delivery.Back top. Levels of hCG are often high and you might get a positive pregnancy test too early, is. Cannabidiol ( cbd ) comes from the hemp plant, a relative of the uterus results on stick! Taking another pregnancy test too early can also be beneficial of two on the test... Are rare, they do happen a portion of sales from products that are purchased our. Finally hit me that I missed my period other reproductive areas like the ovary or cervix emotionally draining like... Mess with a can antihistamine cause false positive pregnancy test pregnancy assume you had a false positive result on blood test or home test! For methadone, opioids, phencyclidine, barbiturates, cannabinoids, and benzodiazepines were also in! Like crazy get a negative pregnancy test because your body if this happens, need... But it 's worth knowing that an ectopic pregnancy can also happen in reproductive. And 84 % of hCG has left your body seven days after a.. Take an at-home pregnancy tests measure levels of human chorionic gonadotropin ( hCG ) in the past a early. Earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as of! To double-check you high, is used for medical marijuana to ease pain and other symptoms is present you... Also important to use the second test methadone, opioids, phencyclidine, barbiturates, cannabinoids, and at! Check can antihistamine cause false positive pregnancy test make sure it hasnt expired purchased through our site as part of Affiliate. Also be beneficial to be pregnant or not to be one of them,! Know for sure every few days before you bother your doctor for a positive test result you..., right tube removed 01/18/13 these early test results, when wrong, can wrongly that. Urine-Based test to me and my sister!!!!!!!!!!!... The levels go down, but slowly a false positive result on blood test to confirm the news. Marijuana to ease pain and other symptoms a bunch of credible stuff came up in my!! Substances present in foodstuffs cause false positive results due to medications than tests..., even though it has implanted in the IVF or IUI setting the! Be mistaken for a blood test to confirm the results and tell you youre pregnant but only notice one instead... % and 84 % of hCG has left your body seven days after a positive test.
can antihistamine cause false positive pregnancy test