Emtriva and Pregnancy

In animal studies involving Emtriva and pregnancy, the drug did not increase the risk of miscarriages or birth defects. As a result, the FDA classified Emtriva as a pregnancy Category B medication, meaning it is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. However, because animals and humans do not always respond to medicines in the same way, you should only use Emtriva if the benefits outweigh the risks.

 

Emtriva and Pregnancy: An Overview

Emtriva® (emtricitabine) is a prescription AIDS and HIV medication. The drug is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy.
 

Emtriva and Pregnancy Category B

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 B is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans, but do not appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. When very high doses of Emtriva were used in animal studies, it did not increase the risk of miscarriages or birth defects.
 
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines in the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category B medicine should be given to a pregnant woman only if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
 

Emtriva and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

If you are pregnant, it is always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication. You and your healthcare provider can consider the possible risks and benefits of using Emtriva in your particular situation, as well as any other treatment alternatives. Women with HIV need special prenatal care, both for themselves and to prevent the transmission of HIV to their babies.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;