Is Flumadine During Pregnancy Safe?
Flumadine® (
rimantadine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to prevent and treat certain types of the flu. Animal studies have suggested that Flumadine may not be safe for use during pregnancy.
Flumadine 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.
Flumadine has never been studied in pregnant humans. When high doses of Flumadine were given to pregnant rats, it increased the risk of miscarriages. However, when given to pregnant rabbits, Flumadine did not cause serious problems.
For pregnant women, the
flu vaccine (not medications like Flumadine) is the recommended way to prevent the flu. Currently, it is recommended that all women who are pregnant (or will be pregnant) during flu season get the
influenza vaccine.
Flumadine and Pregnancy: Summary
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Flumadine, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of Flumadine during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
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