Trizivir and Pregnancy

Although no clinical studies have been conducted on Trizivir and pregnancy, each of the three active ingredients in the medication has been studied in pregnant animals. When each of the individual components of Trizivir was given to pregnant animals, problems (such as miscarriages or birth defects) occurred. If you are taking Trizivir and pregnancy occurs, notify your healthcare provider immediately.

 

Trizivir and Pregnancy: An Overview

Trizivir® (abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine) is a prescription HIV treatment. It contains three different medications in one tablet. It may not be safe for use during pregnancy, although in some circumstances, the benefits of Trizivir may outweigh the potential risks.
 

Trizivir 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. While there have been no adequate studies of Trizivir in pregnant woman or animals, the individual components of Trizivir have been studied in pregnant animals and (for zidovudine) in humans.
 
Abacavir and Pregnancy
Abacavir has been studied in pregnant rats and rabbits. Very high abacavir dosages given to pregnant rats increased the risk of birth defects, miscarriages, stillbirths, and developmental problems (such as low fetal weight and slower fetal development). No similar problems were seen when abacavir was given to pregnant rabbits.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;