Atacand HCT and Pregnancy

Is Atacand HCT Safe During Pregnancy? -- An Overview

For women who are pregnant, Atacand HCT^® (candesartan cilexetil-hydrochlorothiazide) is usually not recommended. This is because during pregnancy, Atacand HCT can lead to temporary or permanent problems, including death, in the unborn child.

 

Atacand HCT and Pregnancy Category C and D

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes Atacand HCT as a pregnancy Category C medication for the first trimester and a pregnancy Category D medication for the second trimester and third trimester.

 

The FDA uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that show side effects to the fetus in animal studies, but no human studies in pregnant women have been done. Pregnancy Category D is given to medicines that have shown clear evidence of risk to the fetus in the studies. Pregnancy Category D is a stronger warning than a pregnancy Category C classification. Despite these warnings, a pregnancy Category C or D medicine may still be given to a pregnant woman if her healthcare provider believes that its benefits outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.