Ansaid and Pregnancy

Ansaid and pregnancy have not been tested together in humans, so the possible risks of Ansaid to unborn children are unknown. However, Ansaid did show side effects to fetuses in previous animal studies. Because of the results of these studies, most healthcare providers do not recommend taking Ansaid during pregnancy -- and taking the drug at all during the third trimester should be avoided. Despite these warnings, a healthcare provider may still prescribe Ansaid to a pregnant woman if he or she believes that its benefits outweigh the possible risks to her unborn child.

 

Is Ansaid Safe During Pregnancy? -- An Overview

Most healthcare providers do not recommend taking Ansaid® (flurbiprofen) during pregnancy because it can possibly cause problems to the unborn child or complicate labor and delivery. Taking Ansaid at all during the third trimester should be avoided.
 
Ansaid is considered a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that Ansaid has not been studied in pregnant women. However, when Ansaid was studied in pregnant animals, problems were seen with the fetus. This suggests that Ansaid could potentially cause harm to your unborn child. It is important to note, however, that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do.
 

Ansaid and Pregnancy Category C

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 have not been studied in pregnant humans but show side effects to the fetus in animal studies. A pregnancy Category C medicine may still be given to a pregnant woman if her healthcare provider believes that its benefits outweigh the possible risks to her unborn child.
 
If you are taking Ansaid and pregnancy occurs (or you are thinking of becoming pregnant), let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of taking Ansaid during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;