While naproxen sodium use and the effects on pregnancy have not been studied in humans, animal studies show possible side effects to the fetus. According to the FDA, the drug is considered a pregnancy Category C medicine, which means that if you are taking naproxen sodium and pregnancy occurs, your healthcare provider will weigh the benefits and risks in your particular situation before making a recommendation.
Can I Take Naproxen Sodium During Pregnancy?
Naproxen sodium is considered a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that it has not been studied in pregnant women. However, when studied in pregnant animals, problems were seen with the unborn fetus. This suggests that naproxen sodium could potentially cause harm to your unborn child. It is important, however, to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do.
Naproxen Sodium and Pregnancy Category C
The 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 show side effects to the fetus during animal studies. A pregnancy Category C medicine may still be given to pregnant women if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the mother outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking naproxen sodium, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider the benefits and risks before making a recommendation in your particular situation.
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