Cataflam and Pregnancy

While pregnancy and Cataflam have not been studied together in humans, pregnant animal studies suggest that the pain-relief medicine poses potential risks to a fetus. Cataflam can also possibly complicate labor and delivery -- and it should not be taken at all during the third trimester. The medicine should be prescribed to a pregnant woman only if her healthcare provider believes that its benefits outweigh the possible risks to her unborn child.

Cataflam Information

Cataflam and Pregnancy: An Overview

Most healthcare providers do not recommend taking Cataflam^® (diclofenac potassium) during pregnancy because it can possibly cause problems in the unborn child or complicate labor and delivery. Taking Cataflam at all during the third trimester should be avoided. Early in the pregnancy, it is possible that your healthcare provider may recommend Cataflam. This is because he or she feels that the benefits to you outweigh the potential risks to your unborn child.

Cataflam and Pregnancy Category C

Cataflam is considered a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 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 women but show side effects to the fetus in animal studies.

It is important to note, however, that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. 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.

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