Savella and Pregnancy

Based on the results of animal studies on Savella (milnacipran) and pregnancy, the medication may not be safe for pregnant women. When the drug was given to pregnant rats, it increased the risk of fetal death. Since it has not been adequately studied in pregnant humans, however, the full risks are not known. If you become pregnant while taking Savella, notify your healthcare provider.

Savella Medication Information

Is Savella Safe During Pregnancy?

Savella™ (milnacipran hydrochloride) is a prescription fibromyalgia medication. Based on the results of animal studies, this medication may not be safe for use in pregnancy, although the full risks are not currently known.

Savella 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.

When given to pregnant rats, Savella increased the risk of fetal death. Giving the drug to pregnant rabbits or mice did not cause problems other than an increased risk of an extra rib in rabbits. Savella has not been adequately studied in humans. However, there have been reports of problems in newborn babies born to mothers who were taking medications similar to Savella. These problems can be as minor as irritability and as serious as seizures or lung problems.

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 the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.

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