Animal studies on Imuran and pregnancy have shown that the drug increased the risk of certain birth defects, such as skeletal and organ problems. In reported cases of Imuran use during human pregnancy, the infants were born with poorly functioning immune systems. If you are taking Imuran and pregnancy occurs, your healthcare provider will weigh the benefits for you against the risks to the fetus before making a recommendation.
Is Imuran Safe During Pregnancy?
Imuran® (
azathioprine) may not be safe for use in pregnant women. In animal studies, the drug increased the risk of certain birth defects.
Imuran and Pregnancy Category D
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 D is a classification given to medicines that have been shown to present a risk to the fetus in studies. However, a pregnancy Category D medicine may still be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the mother outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.
When given to pregnant rabbits and mice, Imuran increased the risk of birth defects, including skeletal and organ problems. In the few reported cases of Imuran use during human pregnancy, infants were born with poorly functioning immune systems.
While the drug should not be used to treat
rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy, there may be situations when it is appropriate to use Imuran to prevent kidney transplant rejection in pregnant women.
Imuran and Pregnancy: Recommendations
If you are pregnant, or if you are thinking about becoming pregnant, while taking Imuran, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of taking the drug during pregnancy before making a recommendation in your particular situation.
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