Is Uloric Safe During Pregnancy?
Uloric® (
febuxostat) is a prescription
gout medication. Based on the results of animal studies, this medication may not be safe for use in pregnancy (although the full risks are not currently known).
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (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 humans, but do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. Also, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a pregnancy Category C rating.
When given to pregnant rats and rabbits, Uloric did not appear to increase the risk of birth defects. However, giving large doses (equivalent to 40 times the maximum human
Uloric dosage) to pregnant and breastfeeding rats decreased the survival rates and body weight of newborn rats.
It is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines in the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category C medicine may be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
Pregnancy and Uloric: Final Thoughts
If you are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider the benefits and risks of taking this drug before making a recommendation in your particular situation.
