Is mesalamine safe for pregnancy?
5-ASA agents (mesalamine, balsalazide, sulfasalazine) are commonly used for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and do not affect the immune system. They are safe to continue during pregnancy — as well as during breastfeeding — to treat symptoms and maintain remission.
What drugs are Category C for pregnancy?
OTC Topical Vaginal Antifungal Medications in Pregnancy
| Drug name | FDA pregnancy risk classification | Drug class |
|---|---|---|
| Butoconazole (Femstat) | C | Imidazole antifungal |
| Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) | C | Imidazole antifungal |
| Miconazole (Monistat) | C | Imidazole antifungal |
| Tioconazole (Vagistat-1) | C | Imidazole antifungal |
What is a pregnancy category D drug?
Category D: Drugs in this class may be used in pregnancy if the benefits to the mother outweigh the risk to the fetus (i.e. a life threatening situation or a serious disease for which safer medication cannot be used or are not efficacious). Examples of medications in this class are phenytoin and valproic acid.
Does mesalamine cross the placenta?
Mesalamine crosses the placenta. Limited published human data show no increase in the overall rate of congenital malformations. Some data show an increased rate of preterm birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight; however, these adverse pregnancy outcomes are also associated with active inflammatory bowel disease.
Can I pass ulcerative colitis to my baby?
The chance of women passing ulcerative colitis to their baby is very small — about 2% to 5%. The risk goes up to about 30% if both parents have inflammatory bowel disease. After you deliver, let your pediatrician know about any ulcerative colitis drugs you were taking while you were pregnant.
Is Category B safe for pregnancy?
Pregnancy categories: Category B: Animal studies show no risks, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Does mesalamine affect fertility?
There have been some reports of men who had lower sperm count while taking mesalamine. Sperm counts returned to normal after stopping the medication. There are no studies looking at possible risks to a pregnancy when the father or sperm donor takes mesalamine.
Is mesalamine safe in breastfeeding?
Most experts consider mesalamine derivatives to be safe during breastfeeding. [1-4] If mesalamine is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding, but carefully observe breastfed infants for diarrhea during maternal use of mesalamine.
Does mesalamine cause birth defects?
Based on the available information, exposure to mesalamine is considered unlikely to increase the chance for birth defects. Could taking mesalamine cause any other pregnancy complications? Mesalamine is not expected to increase the chance for pregnancy complications.