Lyrica and Pregnancy

In previous animal studies involving Lyrica and pregnancy, the drug was shown to increase the risk of bone problems and low fetal weight. However, it is important to keep in mind that animals do not always respond to medications in the same way that humans do. Lyrica is a pregnancy Category C drug and may still be prescribed during pregnancy if the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.

 

Is Lyrica Safe During Pregnancy?

Lyrica® (pregabalin) may not be safe for women who are pregnant, though the full risks of taking this drug during pregnancy are not yet known. In previous animal studies involving Lyrica and pregnancy, the drug caused miscarriages and other problems.
 

Lyrica and Pregnancy Category C

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (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 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.
 
Studies of Lyrica in pregnant rats suggest that Lyrica increases the risk of skull and other bone problems and low fetal weight. In pregnant rabbits, Lyrica increased the risk of low fetal weight, bone defects, and miscarriages. Studies also show that giving Lyrica to pregnant animals can cause brain or behavioral problems or infertility in the offspring.
 
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines in 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 pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
 
(Lyrica 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;