Because animal studies on Taxol and pregnancy showed that the medication caused miscarriages when given to pregnant rabbits, women are typically advised to avoid it during pregnancy. However, in some cases, the drug may still be prescribed. If you are taking Taxol and pregnancy occurs, your healthcare provider will consider the risks and benefits in your particular situation.
Taxol and Pregnancy: An Overview
Taxol® (
paclitaxel) is generally considered unsafe for women who are pregnant. In animal studies that looked at the effects of Taxol during pregnancy, the drug caused miscarriages.
Taxol 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. This 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.
Taxol was given a pregnancy Category D rating because of problems in animal studies. When given to pregnant rabbits, it increased the risk of miscarriages.
Taxol and Pregnancy: Recommendations
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Taxol, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider the benefits and risks of using the medication during pregnancy before making a recommendation in your particular situation.
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print