Naproxen Sodium and Pregnancy

I'm Pregnant -- Can I Take Naproxen Sodium?

Most healthcare providers do not recommend that pregnant women take naproxen sodium (brand names include Aleve^®, Anaprox^®, and Naprelan^®) because it can possibly cause problems for the unborn child or complicate labor and delivery. Taking naproxen sodium at all during the third trimester should be avoided.

 

What Is 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.

 

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.

 

Final Thoughts

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.