Taxotere and Pregnancy

Taxotere is generally considered unsafe for use during pregnancy. This is because in animal studies involving Taxotere and pregnancy, the medication caused miscarriages when it was given to pregnant rats and rabbits. However, a healthcare provider may still prescribe Taxotere if he or she believes the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh the risks to the unborn child.

 

Taxotere and Pregnancy: An Overview

Taxotere® (docetaxel) is generally considered unsafe for people who are pregnant. In animal studies that looked at the effects of Taxotere during pregnancy, the drug caused miscarriages.
 

Taxotere 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. 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.
 
Taxotere was given a pregnancy Category D rating because of problems in animal studies. When given to pregnant rats and rabbits, Taxotere increased the risk of miscarriages.
 

Taxotere and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Taxotere, 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;