Aromasin and Pregnancy

Animal studies involving Aromasin and pregnancy showed that the drug increased the risk of miscarriages when given to pregnant rats and rabbits. As a result, the FDA has classified Aromasin as a pregnancy Category D medication. However, a pregnant woman may still take Aromasin if it is in her best interest to do so. If you are taking Aromasin and pregnancy occurs, your healthcare provider will consider the benefits and risks before making a recommendation.

 

Aromasin and Pregnancy: An Overview

Aromasin® (exemestane) is generally not considered safe for women who are pregnant. In animal studies that looked at the effects of Aromasin during pregnancy, the drug caused miscarriages.
 

Aromasin and Pregnancy Category D

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 D is given to medicines that have shown clear evidence of risk to the fetus in studies. Pregnancy Category D is a stronger warning than a pregnancy Category C classification. However, a pregnancy Category D medicine may still be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.
 
Aromasin was given a pregnancy Category D rating because of problems in animal studies. When given to pregnant rats and rabbits, the drug increased the risk of miscarriages.
 
However, there may be situations in which you and your healthcare provider decide that it is in your best interest to take Aromasin during pregnancy. It is important to remember that Aromasin is approved only for use in postmenopausal women.
 

Aromasin and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Aromasin, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider the benefits and risks of using the medication during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;