While the link between Voltaren and pregnancy has not been studied in humans, animal studies showed side effects on the fetus. As a result, the FDA has classified Voltaren as a pregnancy Category C drug. Most healthcare providers do not recommend taking it during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. If you are taking Voltaren and pregnancy occurs, your healthcare provider will weigh the benefits and risks before making a recommendation.
Voltaren and Pregnancy: An Overview
Most healthcare providers do not recommend taking
Voltaren® (
diclofenac sodium) during pregnancy. The drug may cause problems for the unborn child or complicate
labor and delivery. Treatment with Voltaren should be avoided entirely during the
third trimester. Early in the pregnancy, it is possible that your healthcare provider may recommend Voltaren if he or she feels that the benefits to you outweigh the risks to your unborn child.
Voltaren and Pregnancy Category C
Voltaren is considered a pregnancy Category C drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 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 show side effects to the fetus in animal studies but for which 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 a pregnant woman if her healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the fetus.
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Voltaren, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider the benefits and risks of Voltaren during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
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