Pioglitazone Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Actos

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 13, 2024.

Pioglitazone Pregnancy Warnings

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: Not Assigned

Comments: Premenopausal anovulatory women may be at risk for pregnancy; these women should be informed of pregnancy risk.

Animal studies using pioglitazone at 10 to 40 times the maximum recommended human dose have shown increased rates of postimplantation loss, delayed development, reduced fetal weights, and delayed parturition. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Abnormal blood glucose concentrations during pregnancy are associated with a higher incidence of congenital anomalies, increased neonatal morbidity, and mortality. Most experts recommend insulin use during pregnancy to maintain blood glucose concentrations as close to normal as possible.

AU TGA pregnancy category B3: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

See references

Pioglitazone Breastfeeding Warnings

A decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Excreted into human milk: Unknown
Excreted into animal milk: Yes

Comments: The effects in the nursing infant are unknown.

See references

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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