Benicar and Pregnancy Categories C and D

Because the results of this study have not been confirmed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes Benicar 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 show side effects to the fetus in animal studies but for which 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 human 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.

 

Benicar and Pregnancy: Recommendations

Because of the possible risks that Benicar poses to an unborn child, even during the first trimester of pregnancy, be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of Benicar during pregnancy 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 while taking the drug.