Naprelan and Pregnancy

While there have been no human studies on pregnancy and Naprelan, previous animal studies suggest that Naprelan could potentially harm your fetus. In addition, Naprelan can complicate labor and delivery. Therefore, most healthcare providers do not recommend taking this medication during pregnancy. However, since it is a pregnancy Category C medication, it may still be prescribed under certain circumstances.

 

Is Naprelan Safe During Pregnancy?

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

Pregnancy Category C

Naprelan 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 show side effects to the fetus in animal studies, but no human studies in pregnant women have been done. It is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. A pregnancy Category C medicine may still be given to pregnant women if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.
 

Final Thoughts

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Naprelan, let your healthcare provider know. Your healthcare provider will consider both the benefits and risks of Naprelan during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;