Verelan PM and Pregnancy

In animal studies involving Verelan PM and pregnancy, the medication increased the risk of miscarriages and decreased fetal growth. As a result, the FDA has classified Verelan PM as a pregnancy Category C medication, meaning it may not be safe for use during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about Verelan and pregnancy. He or she will weigh the benefits and risks before making a recommendation for your situation.

 

An Overview of Verelan PM and Pregnancy

For people who are pregnant, Verelan PM® (verapamil hydrochloride) may not be safe. This is based on animal studies that looked at the effects of Verelan PM during pregnancy.
 

Verelan PM and Pregnancy Category C

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy 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 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.
 
Verelan PM was given a pregnancy Category C rating because of potential problems in animal studies. When given to pregnant rabbits, Verelan PM caused an increased risk of miscarriages and decreased fetal growth.
 
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines in the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category C medicine may be given to pregnant women if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
 

Verelan PM and Pregnancy: Summary

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Verelan PM, let your healthcare provider know.
 Your healthcare provider will consider both the benefits and risks of taking Verelan PM 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;