Hivid and Pregnancy

Animal studies involving Hivid and pregnancy showed that the medication increased the risk for miscarriages and birth defects. However, no studies have been done in pregnant humans, and animals do not always respond to medications in the same way that humans do. Therefore, before taking Hivid during pregnancy, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider.

 

Hivid and Pregnancy: An Overview

Hivid® (zalcitabine) is a prescription AIDS and HIV medication. It is not known if Hivid is safe for use during pregnancy. However, in some circumstances, the benefits of Hivid may outweigh the potential risks.
 

Hivid and Pregnancy Category C

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. Although there have not been adequate studies done on the use of Hivid in pregnant women, Hivid has been studied in pregnant animals.
 
Hivid has been studied in pregnant mice and rats. When extremely high doses of Hivid were given to pregnant mice and rats, there was an increased risk of miscarriages and 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 C medicine may be given to pregnant women if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
 

Hivid 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 Hivid 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;