Exforge and Pregnancy Category D
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes
Exforge as a pregnancy Category D medicine for all trimesters (previously, it was a Category C medicine for the
first trimester and a Category D medicine for the second and
third trimesters).
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 D is given to medicines that have shown clear evidence of risk to the fetus in studies. Pregnancy Category D is a stronger warning than a pregnancy Category C classification. Despite these warnings, a pregnancy Category 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.
Exforge and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts
Because of the possible risks that Exforge poses to an unborn child, 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 Exforge 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.