Videx and Pregnancy

It is generally considered safe to take Videx during pregnancy. The FDA has classified Videx as a pregnancy Category B medicine, meaning that the medication does not appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. However, no studies have been done on Videx and pregnancy in humans, and animals do not always respond to medications in the same way that humans do. Therefore, before taking Videx during pregnancy, discuss the issue with your healthcare provider.

 

Videx and Pregnancy: An Overview

Videx® (didanosine) is a prescription AIDS and HIV medication. Videx is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy.
 

Videx 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. In animal studies, Videx 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.
 

Videx 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 Videx 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;