Avapro and Pregnancy Categories C and D

Because the results of the study explained previously have not been confirmed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes Avapro as a pregnancy Category C medicine for the first trimester and a pregnancy Category D medicine for the second and third trimesters.

 

The FDA uses a 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 have not been studied in pregnant humans but that show side effects to the fetus in animal studies. Pregnancy Category D is given to medicines that have shown clear evidence of risk to the fetus in human studies. It is a stronger warning than for pregnancy Category C medicines. 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.

 

Avapro and Pregnancy: Recommendations

Because of the possible risk that Avapro poses to an unborn child, even during the first trimester of pregnancy, you should let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Avapro. Your healthcare provider will consider both the benefits and risks before making a recommendation for your particular situation. In all but the rarest of situations, there are other options for women who are pregnant or could become pregnant.