Cholestyramine and Pregnancy

Side effects and complications are possible with Cholestyramine, and pregnancy problems are a potential risk. According to the FDA, Cholestyramine is considered a pregnancy Category C medicine. This means that although it has not been studied extensively in humans, pregnant animal studies show possible harm to the fetus. If you are taking Cholestyramine and pregnancy is in your future, your doctor will weigh the benefits to you against the possible risks to the unborn child.

Cholestyramine Medicine

Cholestyramine and Pregnancy: An Overview

Cholestyramine is a generic medication that is considered a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that it has not been studied in pregnant women. However, when studied in pregnant animals, Cholestyramine could potentially cause harm to the fetus. It is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do.

Although Cholestyramine is not absorbed into the body, it does affect the absorption of certain types of vitamins, which can possibly affect the fetus. In pregnant women taking Cholestyramine, regular prenatal vitamins may not be adequate.

Cholestyramine and Pregnancy Category C

The FDA uses a 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 show side effects to the fetus in animal studies but for which no human studies have been conducted. A pregnancy C Category medicine may still be given to pregnant women if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the mother outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Cholestyramine, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of Cholestyramine during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.