Dynacirc and Pregnancy

Based on information from animal studies, Dynacirc (isradipine) may not be safe for pregnant women. In studies on Dynacirc and pregnancy, the medication increased the risk of miscarriages, reduced the weight of newborns, and decreased their survival rate when it was given to pregnant rats and rabbits. Due to these potential complications, seek medical attention immediately if you are taking Dynacirc and pregnancy occurs.

 

Dynacirc and Pregnancy: An Overview

Dynacirc® (isradipine) may not be safe for women who are pregnant. This is based on animal studies that looked at the effects of the drug during pregnancy.
 

Dynacirc and Pregnancy Category C

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 C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but that do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. Also, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a pregnancy Category C rating.
 
Dynacirc was given a pregnancy Category C rating because of potential problems in animal studies. When given to pregnant rats and rabbits, the drug decreased the amount of weight gained by the mother during pregnancy and increased the risk of miscarriages. Dynacirc also decreased the weight of the newborn rats and decreased their chances of survival.
 
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category C medicine may be given to a pregnant woman if her healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;