Dynacirc CR and Pregnancy

In studies on Dynacirc CR (isradipine CR) and pregnancy, the medication decreased the weight of newborns and increased miscarriages when it was given to pregnant rats and rabbits. Due to these potential risks, healthcare providers will only prescribe the drug to pregnant women if the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are taking Dynacirc CR and pregnancy occurs, let your healthcare provider know.

 

Dynacirc CR and Pregnancy: An Overview

Dynacirc CR® (isradipine CR) may not be safe for women who are pregnant. This is based on animal studies that looked at the effects of the drug during pregnancy.
 

Dynacirc CR and Pregnancy Category C

The U.
 S. Food and Drug Administration (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 do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. Also, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a pregnancy Category C rating.
 
Dynacirc CR was given a pregnancy Category C rating because of potential problems in animal studies. When given to pregnant rats and rabbits, the drug decreased the amount of weight gained by the mother during pregnancy and increased the risk of miscarriages. It also decreased the weight of the newborn rats and decreased their chances of survival.
 
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category C medicine may be given to a pregnant woman if her healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
 
(Dynacirc CR and Pregnancy Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;