Viread and Pregnancy: An Overview
Viread® (
tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) is a prescription
hepatitis B and
HIV treatment. Because it has not been adequately studied in pregnant women, it is not known if Viread is safe for use during pregnancy. However, in some circumstances, the benefits of the drug may outweigh the potential risks.
Viread and Pregnancy Category B
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a 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 that do not appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. When given to pregnant animals, Viread did not increase the risk of miscarriages or birth defects.
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category B medicine should be given to a pregnant woman only if her healthcare provider believes that the benefits for the mother outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
Viread and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts
If you are pregnant, it is always a good idea to ask your healthcare provider before taking any medication. You and your healthcare provider can consider the possible risks and benefits of using Viread 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.
