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Policosanol and Pregnancy
Although policosanol is a "natural" product, this does not mean it is safe for use during pregnancy. Policosanol has not been adequately studied in pregnant women. However, since it may increase the risk of bleeding, this herbal supplement may be dangerous during pregnancy. More research is needed on policosanol and pregnancy before risks (if any) can be completely understood.
Policosanol and Pregnancy: An Overview
Policosanol is a dietary supplement that is sometimes used to treat high cholesterol. It is not known if policosanol is safe for use in pregnancy.Is Policosanol Safe During Pregnancy?
There is no evidence to suggest that policosanol is either safe or unsafe for pregnant women, as it has not adequately been studied in these cases. Even though the supplement is a "natural" product, it does not automatically imply that it is safe for use during pregnancy. After all, many poisons and toxins are also natural. Because policosanol may decrease the blood's ability to clot, it could increase the risk of bleeding. This could be dangerous during pregnancy. Until more information is available, it may be a good idea to avoid policosanol if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.Remember, pregnancy is not a time to be experimenting with herbs, supplements, or medications. It is best to stick with products that are known to be safe for pregnant women. As a dietary supplement that has not been studied in pregnant women, policosanol is not one of these products.
Policosanol and Pregnancy: Talking With Your Healthcare Provider
If you are pregnant, it is always a good idea to have a discussion with your healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement, including policosanol. Do not assume that the supplement is automatically safe for use in pregnancy just because it is a natural product.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD