Gerald G. Briggs, BPharm, FCCP

Pregnancy registries are valuable sources of information. For many drugs, they are the primary source of the human pregnancy experience. However, although most of the registries use the word “pregnancy,” it is important to note that many also enroll women who took the target drug shortly before conception.

Antonio_Diaz/Thinkstock

The strengths of these registries are their prospective nature (enrolled before the outcome is known) and enrollment over a wide geographical area. Typically, two types of pregnancy outcomes are obtained: those with birth defects and those without known birth defects (classified as live births, fetal deaths, and spontaneous abortions). Registries can identify early signals of teratogenicity, but they have several limitations: selection bias that results from voluntary reporting; target populations that are not representative; lost-to-follow-up pregnancies that may have had different outcomes than those with documented outcomes; elective terminations and fetal deaths without birth defects and spontaneous abortions, all of which may lack details; the lack of control groups (with some exceptions); and the publication of results that may be delayed or not be in a peer-reviewed journal. Because the total number of exposed pregnancies is unknown, the data cannot be used to calculate prevalences, but they can be used to estimate the proportion of birth defects. Some registries also collect data on retrospective reports (reported after outcome is known). Such reports are less representative of the target population because they can be biased toward the reporting of more unusual and severe outcomes. But they may be helpful in detecting unusual patterns of birth defects.

For the following drugs, web addresses can be obtained from the Food and Drug Administration website, List of Pregnancy Exposure Registries.

MotherToBaby

A large registry, the MotherToBaby Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) (877-311-8972), involves patients in several different categories and the effects of the drugs on the embryo-fetus: autoimmune diseases (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis); asthma at less than 20 weeks’ gestation; vaccines; and heterozygous or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

For the autoimmune diseases, the drugs and trade names are abatacept (Orencia), adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), leflunomide (Arava), otezla (Apremilast), teriflunomide (Aubagio), tocilizumab (Actemra), tofacitinib (Xeljanz), and ustekinumab (Stelara).

For the asthma group, the drug being investigated is mepolizumab (Nucala).

Two vaccines – for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) and meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 (Menveo) – are being studied.

The last category is heterozygous or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The two agents in this category are alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha).

Pregnancy registries are valuable sources of information. For many drugs, they are the primary source of the human pregnancy experience. However, although most of the registries use the word “pregnancy,” it is important to note that many also enroll women who took the target drug shortly before conception.

Antonio_Diaz/Thinkstock

The strengths of these registries are their prospective nature (enrolled before the outcome is known) and enrollment over a wide geographical area. Typically, two types of pregnancy outcomes are obtained: those with birth defects and those without known birth defects (classified as live births, fetal deaths, and spontaneous abortions). Registries can identify early signals of teratogenicity, but they have several limitations: selection bias that results from voluntary reporting; target populations that are not representative; lost-to-follow-up pregnancies that may have had different outcomes than those with documented outcomes; elective terminations and fetal deaths without birth defects and spontaneous abortions, all of which may lack details; the lack of control groups (with some exceptions); and the publication of results that may be delayed or not be in a peer-reviewed journal. Because the total number of exposed pregnancies is unknown, the data cannot be used to calculate prevalences, but they can be used to estimate the proportion of birth defects. Some registries also collect data on retrospective reports (reported after outcome is known). Such reports are less representative of the target population because they can be biased toward the reporting of more unusual and severe outcomes. But they may be helpful in detecting unusual patterns of birth defects.

For the following drugs, web addresses can be obtained from the Food and Drug Administration website, List of Pregnancy Exposure Registries.

MotherToBaby

A large registry, the MotherToBaby Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) (877-311-8972), involves patients in several different categories and the effects of the drugs on the embryo-fetus: autoimmune diseases (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis); asthma at less than 20 weeks’ gestation; vaccines; and heterozygous or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

For the autoimmune diseases, the drugs and trade names are abatacept (Orencia), adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), leflunomide (Arava), otezla (Apremilast), teriflunomide (Aubagio), tocilizumab (Actemra), tofacitinib (Xeljanz), and ustekinumab (Stelara).

For the asthma group, the drug being investigated is mepolizumab (Nucala).

Two vaccines – for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) and meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 (Menveo) – are being studied.

The last category is heterozygous or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The two agents in this category are alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha).

Pregnancy registries are valuable sources of information. For many drugs, they are the primary source of the human pregnancy experience. However, although most of the registries use the word “pregnancy,” it is important to note that many also enroll women who took the target drug shortly before conception.

Antonio_Diaz/Thinkstock

The strengths of these registries are their prospective nature (enrolled before the outcome is known) and enrollment over a wide geographical area. Typically, two types of pregnancy outcomes are obtained: those with birth defects and those without known birth defects (classified as live births, fetal deaths, and spontaneous abortions). Registries can identify early signals of teratogenicity, but they have several limitations: selection bias that results from voluntary reporting; target populations that are not representative; lost-to-follow-up pregnancies that may have had different outcomes than those with documented outcomes; elective terminations and fetal deaths without birth defects and spontaneous abortions, all of which may lack details; the lack of control groups (with some exceptions); and the publication of results that may be delayed or not be in a peer-reviewed journal. Because the total number of exposed pregnancies is unknown, the data cannot be used to calculate prevalences, but they can be used to estimate the proportion of birth defects. Some registries also collect data on retrospective reports (reported after outcome is known). Such reports are less representative of the target population because they can be biased toward the reporting of more unusual and severe outcomes. But they may be helpful in detecting unusual patterns of birth defects.

For the following drugs, web addresses can be obtained from the Food and Drug Administration website, List of Pregnancy Exposure Registries.

MotherToBaby

A large registry, the MotherToBaby Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) (877-311-8972), involves patients in several different categories and the effects of the drugs on the embryo-fetus: autoimmune diseases (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis); asthma at less than 20 weeks’ gestation; vaccines; and heterozygous or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

For the autoimmune diseases, the drugs and trade names are abatacept (Orencia), adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), leflunomide (Arava), otezla (Apremilast), teriflunomide (Aubagio), tocilizumab (Actemra), tofacitinib (Xeljanz), and ustekinumab (Stelara).

For the asthma group, the drug being investigated is mepolizumab (Nucala).

Two vaccines – for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) and meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 (Menveo) – are being studied.

The last category is heterozygous or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The two agents in this category are alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha).

Pregnancy registries are valuable sources of information. For many drugs, they are the primary source of the human pregnancy experience. However, although most of the registries use the word “pregnancy,” it is important to note that many also enroll women who took the target drug shortly before conception.

Antonio_Diaz/Thinkstock

The strengths of these registries are their prospective nature (enrolled before the outcome is known) and enrollment over a wide geographical area. Typically, two types of pregnancy outcomes are obtained: those with birth defects and those without known birth defects (classified as live births, fetal deaths, and spontaneous abortions). Registries can identify early signals of teratogenicity, but they have several limitations: selection bias that results from voluntary reporting; target populations that are not representative; lost-to-follow-up pregnancies that may have had different outcomes than those with documented outcomes; elective terminations and fetal deaths without birth defects and spontaneous abortions, all of which may lack details; the lack of control groups (with some exceptions); and the publication of results that may be delayed or not be in a peer-reviewed journal. Because the total number of exposed pregnancies is unknown, the data cannot be used to calculate prevalences, but they can be used to estimate the proportion of birth defects. Some registries also collect data on retrospective reports (reported after outcome is known). Such reports are less representative of the target population because they can be biased toward the reporting of more unusual and severe outcomes. But they may be helpful in detecting unusual patterns of birth defects.

For the following drugs, web addresses can be obtained from the Food and Drug Administration website, List of Pregnancy Exposure Registries.

MotherToBaby

A large registry, the MotherToBaby Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) (877-311-8972), involves patients in several different categories and the effects of the drugs on the embryo-fetus: autoimmune diseases (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis); asthma at less than 20 weeks’ gestation; vaccines; and heterozygous or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

For the autoimmune diseases, the drugs and trade names are abatacept (Orencia), adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), leflunomide (Arava), otezla (Apremilast), teriflunomide (Aubagio), tocilizumab (Actemra), tofacitinib (Xeljanz), and ustekinumab (Stelara).

For the asthma group, the drug being investigated is mepolizumab (Nucala).

Two vaccines – for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) and meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 (Menveo) – are being studied.

The last category is heterozygous or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The two agents in this category are alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha).
 

Other registries

Breast cancer

The Mother Pregnancy Registry, INC Research (800-690-6720), is enrolling breast cancer patients who have been treated during pregnancy with ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla), pertuzumab (Perjeta), or trastuzumab (Herceptin).



Epilepsy

The Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy registry (888-233-2334) is studying eslicarbazepine (Aptiom) and pregabalin (Lyrica).



Fabry disease

The Fabry Registry, Genzyme Corp (617-591-5500) is studying the use in pregnancy of agalsidase beta (Fabrazyme) for Fabry disease.



Fibromyalgia

The Savella Pregnancy Registry (877-643-3010) is looking for patients with fibromyalgia who are being treated with milnacipran (Savella).



Hepatitis B

The Ribavirin Pregnancy Registry, INC Research (800-593-2214) is looking for subjects with hepatitis C who have been treated with ribavirin (Copegus).



Hypercholesterolemia

Lomitapide (Juxtapid) is being studied by the Global Lomitapide Pregnancy Exposure Registry managed by Aegerion (877-902-4099). The drug is used for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.



Mucopolysaccharidosis

The Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) registry, Genzyme (617-591-5500) is studying the use of laronidase (Aldurazyme) for Hurler syndrome, Scheie syndrome, and Hurler-Scheie syndrome.

The use of galsulfase (Naglazyme) for Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome during pregnancy is under study by the Mucopolysaccharidosis VI (MPS VI), clinical surveillance program (BioMarin Pharmaceutical) (415-506-6849 or 415-506-6703).

Multiple sclerosis

Novartis is conducting the Gilenya Pregnancy Registry (877-598-7237) for patients with multiple sclerosis who are taking fingolimod (Gilenya).

Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada), also indicated for multiple sclerosis, is the target agent for the LEMTRADA Pregnancy Exposure Registry (866-758-2990).

Narcolepsy and other sleep disorders

Armodafinil (Nuvigil), used for excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, is being studied in the Nuvigil Pregnancy Registry (866-404-4106). A second drug with the same indication and telephone number, modafinil (Provigil), is in the Provigil Pregnancy Registry.



Osteoporosis

Amgen’s Pregnancy Surveillance Program (800-772-6436) is enrolling pregnant subjects with osteoporosis who are being treated with denosumab (Prolia).



Others

Two Merck pregnancy registries (800-986-8999) cover the following conditions: type 2 diabetes sitagliptin+metformin (Janumet) or sitagliptin (Januvia); and migraine headaches rizatriptan (Maxalt).

GlaxoSmithKline is conducting two registries: the Belimumab Pregnancy Registry for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with belimumab (Benlysta) (877-681-6296); and Promacta Pregnancy Registry for women treated for thrombocytopenia with eltrombopag (Promacta) (888-825-5249).
 

Psychiatric Drugs

The National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics (866-961-2388) is studying 10 drugs: aripiprazole (Abilify), asenapine (Saphris), clozapine (Clozaril), iloperidone (Fanapt), lurasidone (Latuda), olanzapine (Zyprexa), paliperidone (Invega), quetiapine (Seroquel), risperidone (Risperdal), and ziprasidone (Geodon).

The National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants (844-405-6185) is studying amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), bupropion (Forfivo XL and Wellbutrin), citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), desvenlafaxine (Prisiq), doxepin (Sinequan), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), imipramine (Tofranil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), levomilnacipran (Fetzima), maprotiline (Ludiomil), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), phenelzine (Nardill), protriptyline (Vivactil), selegiline (Emsam), sertraline (Zoloft), tranylcypromine (Pamate), trazodone (Desyrel), trimipramine (Surmontil), venlafaxine (Effexor), and vilazodone (Viibryd).

The National Pregnancy Registry of Psychostimulants (866-961-2388) is studying amphetamine (Adderall), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine and Focalin), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Desoxyn, Ritalin), and modafinil (Provigil).

The antidepressant duloxetine (Cymbalta) is being studied by the Cymbalta Pregnancy Registry (866-814-6975).

Transplant patients

Renal transplant patients exposed to mycophenolate (CellCept) can be enrolled in the Transplantation Pregnancy Registry International (877-955-6877) or the Mycophenolate Pregnancy Registry (800-617-8191). The Transplantation Pregnancy Registry International also is enrolling renal transplant patients exposed to belatacept (Nulojix).



Vaccines

A quadrivalent influenza vaccine (Afluria) is being studied by the Seqirus Influenza Vaccine Pregnancy Registry (855-358-8972). A second vaccine for meningococcal disease meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 (Menactra) is under study by the Menactra Vaccine Pregnancy Registry (800-822-2463). The Bexsero Pregnancy Registry (877-413-4759) is open to patients who have received the meningococcal group B vaccine (Bexsero). The Hepatitis B Vaccine [Recombinant] Adjuvanted Pregnancy Registry, also listed as HEPLISAV-B, is enrolling patients who have received that vaccine (844-443-7734); it is supported by the Dynavax Technologies Corporation.

Mr. Briggs is clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, as well as at Washington State University, Spokane. Mr. Briggs said he had no relevant financial disclosures. Email him at obnews@mdedge.com.

Pregnancy registries are valuable sources of information. For many drugs, they are the primary source of the human pregnancy experience. However, although most of the registries use the word “pregnancy,” it is important to note that many also enroll women who took the target drug shortly before conception.

Antonio_Diaz/Thinkstock

The strengths of these registries are their prospective nature (enrolled before the outcome is known) and enrollment over a wide geographical area. Typically, two types of pregnancy outcomes are obtained: those with birth defects and those without known birth defects (classified as live births, fetal deaths, and spontaneous abortions). Registries can identify early signals of teratogenicity, but they have several limitations: selection bias that results from voluntary reporting; target populations that are not representative; lost-to-follow-up pregnancies that may have had different outcomes than those with documented outcomes; elective terminations and fetal deaths without birth defects and spontaneous abortions, all of which may lack details; the lack of control groups (with some exceptions); and the publication of results that may be delayed or not be in a peer-reviewed journal. Because the total number of exposed pregnancies is unknown, the data cannot be used to calculate prevalences, but they can be used to estimate the proportion of birth defects. Some registries also collect data on retrospective reports (reported after outcome is known). Such reports are less representative of the target population because they can be biased toward the reporting of more unusual and severe outcomes. But they may be helpful in detecting unusual patterns of birth defects.

For the following drugs, web addresses can be obtained from the Food and Drug Administration website, List of Pregnancy Exposure Registries.

MotherToBaby

A large registry, the MotherToBaby Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) (877-311-8972), involves patients in several different categories and the effects of the drugs on the embryo-fetus: autoimmune diseases (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis); asthma at less than 20 weeks’ gestation; vaccines; and heterozygous or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

For the autoimmune diseases, the drugs and trade names are abatacept (Orencia), adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), leflunomide (Arava), otezla (Apremilast), teriflunomide (Aubagio), tocilizumab (Actemra), tofacitinib (Xeljanz), and ustekinumab (Stelara).

For the asthma group, the drug being investigated is mepolizumab (Nucala).

Two vaccines – for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) and meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 (Menveo) – are being studied.

The last category is heterozygous or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The two agents in this category are alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha).
 

Other registries

Breast cancer

The Mother Pregnancy Registry, INC Research (800-690-6720), is enrolling breast cancer patients who have been treated during pregnancy with ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla), pertuzumab (Perjeta), or trastuzumab (Herceptin).



Epilepsy

The Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy registry (888-233-2334) is studying eslicarbazepine (Aptiom) and pregabalin (Lyrica).



Fabry disease

The Fabry Registry, Genzyme Corp (617-591-5500) is studying the use in pregnancy of agalsidase beta (Fabrazyme) for Fabry disease.



Fibromyalgia

The Savella Pregnancy Registry (877-643-3010) is looking for patients with fibromyalgia who are being treated with milnacipran (Savella).



Hepatitis B

The Ribavirin Pregnancy Registry, INC Research (800-593-2214) is looking for subjects with hepatitis C who have been treated with ribavirin (Copegus).



Hypercholesterolemia

Lomitapide (Juxtapid) is being studied by the Global Lomitapide Pregnancy Exposure Registry managed by Aegerion (877-902-4099). The drug is used for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.



Mucopolysaccharidosis

The Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) registry, Genzyme (617-591-5500) is studying the use of laronidase (Aldurazyme) for Hurler syndrome, Scheie syndrome, and Hurler-Scheie syndrome.

The use of galsulfase (Naglazyme) for Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome during pregnancy is under study by the Mucopolysaccharidosis VI (MPS VI), clinical surveillance program (BioMarin Pharmaceutical) (415-506-6849 or 415-506-6703).

Multiple sclerosis

Novartis is conducting the Gilenya Pregnancy Registry (877-598-7237) for patients with multiple sclerosis who are taking fingolimod (Gilenya).

Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada), also indicated for multiple sclerosis, is the target agent for the LEMTRADA Pregnancy Exposure Registry (866-758-2990).

Narcolepsy and other sleep disorders

Armodafinil (Nuvigil), used for excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, is being studied in the Nuvigil Pregnancy Registry (866-404-4106). A second drug with the same indication and telephone number, modafinil (Provigil), is in the Provigil Pregnancy Registry.



Osteoporosis

Amgen’s Pregnancy Surveillance Program (800-772-6436) is enrolling pregnant subjects with osteoporosis who are being treated with denosumab (Prolia).



Others

Two Merck pregnancy registries (800-986-8999) cover the following conditions: type 2 diabetes sitagliptin+metformin (Janumet) or sitagliptin (Januvia); and migraine headaches rizatriptan (Maxalt).

GlaxoSmithKline is conducting two registries: the Belimumab Pregnancy Registry for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with belimumab (Benlysta) (877-681-6296); and Promacta Pregnancy Registry for women treated for thrombocytopenia with eltrombopag (Promacta) (888-825-5249).
 

Psychiatric Drugs

The National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics (866-961-2388) is studying 10 drugs: aripiprazole (Abilify), asenapine (Saphris), clozapine (Clozaril), iloperidone (Fanapt), lurasidone (Latuda), olanzapine (Zyprexa), paliperidone (Invega), quetiapine (Seroquel), risperidone (Risperdal), and ziprasidone (Geodon).

The National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants (844-405-6185) is studying amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), bupropion (Forfivo XL and Wellbutrin), citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), desvenlafaxine (Prisiq), doxepin (Sinequan), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), imipramine (Tofranil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), levomilnacipran (Fetzima), maprotiline (Ludiomil), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), phenelzine (Nardill), protriptyline (Vivactil), selegiline (Emsam), sertraline (Zoloft), tranylcypromine (Pamate), trazodone (Desyrel), trimipramine (Surmontil), venlafaxine (Effexor), and vilazodone (Viibryd).

The National Pregnancy Registry of Psychostimulants (866-961-2388) is studying amphetamine (Adderall), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine and Focalin), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Desoxyn, Ritalin), and modafinil (Provigil).

The antidepressant duloxetine (Cymbalta) is being studied by the Cymbalta Pregnancy Registry (866-814-6975).

Transplant patients

Renal transplant patients exposed to mycophenolate (CellCept) can be enrolled in the Transplantation Pregnancy Registry International (877-955-6877) or the Mycophenolate Pregnancy Registry (800-617-8191). The Transplantation Pregnancy Registry International also is enrolling renal transplant patients exposed to belatacept (Nulojix).



Vaccines

A quadrivalent influenza vaccine (Afluria) is being studied by the Seqirus Influenza Vaccine Pregnancy Registry (855-358-8972). A second vaccine for meningococcal disease meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 (Menactra) is under study by the Menactra Vaccine Pregnancy Registry (800-822-2463). The Bexsero Pregnancy Registry (877-413-4759) is open to patients who have received the meningococcal group B vaccine (Bexsero). The Hepatitis B Vaccine [Recombinant] Adjuvanted Pregnancy Registry, also listed as HEPLISAV-B, is enrolling patients who have received that vaccine (844-443-7734); it is supported by the Dynavax Technologies Corporation.

Mr. Briggs is clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, as well as at Washington State University, Spokane. Mr. Briggs said he had no relevant financial disclosures. Email him at obnews@mdedge.com.

Pregnancy registries are valuable sources of information. For many drugs, they are the primary source of the human pregnancy experience. However, although most of the registries use the word “pregnancy,” it is important to note that many also enroll women who took the target drug shortly before conception.

Antonio_Diaz/Thinkstock

The strengths of these registries are their prospective nature (enrolled before the outcome is known) and enrollment over a wide geographical area. Typically, two types of pregnancy outcomes are obtained: those with birth defects and those without known birth defects (classified as live births, fetal deaths, and spontaneous abortions). Registries can identify early signals of teratogenicity, but they have several limitations: selection bias that results from voluntary reporting; target populations that are not representative; lost-to-follow-up pregnancies that may have had different outcomes than those with documented outcomes; elective terminations and fetal deaths without birth defects and spontaneous abortions, all of which may lack details; the lack of control groups (with some exceptions); and the publication of results that may be delayed or not be in a peer-reviewed journal. Because the total number of exposed pregnancies is unknown, the data cannot be used to calculate prevalences, but they can be used to estimate the proportion of birth defects. Some registries also collect data on retrospective reports (reported after outcome is known). Such reports are less representative of the target population because they can be biased toward the reporting of more unusual and severe outcomes. But they may be helpful in detecting unusual patterns of birth defects.

For the following drugs, web addresses can be obtained from the Food and Drug Administration website, List of Pregnancy Exposure Registries.

MotherToBaby

A large registry, the MotherToBaby Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) (877-311-8972), involves patients in several different categories and the effects of the drugs on the embryo-fetus: autoimmune diseases (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis); asthma at less than 20 weeks’ gestation; vaccines; and heterozygous or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

For the autoimmune diseases, the drugs and trade names are abatacept (Orencia), adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), leflunomide (Arava), otezla (Apremilast), teriflunomide (Aubagio), tocilizumab (Actemra), tofacitinib (Xeljanz), and ustekinumab (Stelara).

For the asthma group, the drug being investigated is mepolizumab (Nucala).

Two vaccines – for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) and meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 (Menveo) – are being studied.

The last category is heterozygous or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The two agents in this category are alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha).
 

Other registries

Breast cancer

The Mother Pregnancy Registry, INC Research (800-690-6720), is enrolling breast cancer patients who have been treated during pregnancy with ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla), pertuzumab (Perjeta), or trastuzumab (Herceptin).



Epilepsy

The Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy registry (888-233-2334) is studying eslicarbazepine (Aptiom) and pregabalin (Lyrica).



Fabry disease

The Fabry Registry, Genzyme Corp (617-591-5500) is studying the use in pregnancy of agalsidase beta (Fabrazyme) for Fabry disease.



Fibromyalgia

The Savella Pregnancy Registry (877-643-3010) is looking for patients with fibromyalgia who are being treated with milnacipran (Savella).



Hepatitis B

The Ribavirin Pregnancy Registry, INC Research (800-593-2214) is looking for subjects with hepatitis C who have been treated with ribavirin (Copegus).



Hypercholesterolemia

Lomitapide (Juxtapid) is being studied by the Global Lomitapide Pregnancy Exposure Registry managed by Aegerion (877-902-4099). The drug is used for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.



Mucopolysaccharidosis

The Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) registry, Genzyme (617-591-5500) is studying the use of laronidase (Aldurazyme) for Hurler syndrome, Scheie syndrome, and Hurler-Scheie syndrome.

The use of galsulfase (Naglazyme) for Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome during pregnancy is under study by the Mucopolysaccharidosis VI (MPS VI), clinical surveillance program (BioMarin Pharmaceutical) (415-506-6849 or 415-506-6703).

Multiple sclerosis

Novartis is conducting the Gilenya Pregnancy Registry (877-598-7237) for patients with multiple sclerosis who are taking fingolimod (Gilenya).

Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada), also indicated for multiple sclerosis, is the target agent for the LEMTRADA Pregnancy Exposure Registry (866-758-2990).

Narcolepsy and other sleep disorders

Armodafinil (Nuvigil), used for excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, is being studied in the Nuvigil Pregnancy Registry (866-404-4106). A second drug with the same indication and telephone number, modafinil (Provigil), is in the Provigil Pregnancy Registry.



Osteoporosis

Amgen’s Pregnancy Surveillance Program (800-772-6436) is enrolling pregnant subjects with osteoporosis who are being treated with denosumab (Prolia).



Others

Two Merck pregnancy registries (800-986-8999) cover the following conditions: type 2 diabetes sitagliptin+metformin (Janumet) or sitagliptin (Januvia); and migraine headaches rizatriptan (Maxalt).

GlaxoSmithKline is conducting two registries: the Belimumab Pregnancy Registry for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with belimumab (Benlysta) (877-681-6296); and Promacta Pregnancy Registry for women treated for thrombocytopenia with eltrombopag (Promacta) (888-825-5249).
 

Psychiatric Drugs

The National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics (866-961-2388) is studying 10 drugs: aripiprazole (Abilify), asenapine (Saphris), clozapine (Clozaril), iloperidone (Fanapt), lurasidone (Latuda), olanzapine (Zyprexa), paliperidone (Invega), quetiapine (Seroquel), risperidone (Risperdal), and ziprasidone (Geodon).

The National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants (844-405-6185) is studying amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), bupropion (Forfivo XL and Wellbutrin), citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), desvenlafaxine (Prisiq), doxepin (Sinequan), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), imipramine (Tofranil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), levomilnacipran (Fetzima), maprotiline (Ludiomil), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), phenelzine (Nardill), protriptyline (Vivactil), selegiline (Emsam), sertraline (Zoloft), tranylcypromine (Pamate), trazodone (Desyrel), trimipramine (Surmontil), venlafaxine (Effexor), and vilazodone (Viibryd).

The National Pregnancy Registry of Psychostimulants (866-961-2388) is studying amphetamine (Adderall), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine and Focalin), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Desoxyn, Ritalin), and modafinil (Provigil).

The antidepressant duloxetine (Cymbalta) is being studied by the Cymbalta Pregnancy Registry (866-814-6975).

Transplant patients

Renal transplant patients exposed to mycophenolate (CellCept) can be enrolled in the Transplantation Pregnancy Registry International (877-955-6877) or the Mycophenolate Pregnancy Registry (800-617-8191). The Transplantation Pregnancy Registry International also is enrolling renal transplant patients exposed to belatacept (Nulojix).



Vaccines

A quadrivalent influenza vaccine (Afluria) is being studied by the Seqirus Influenza Vaccine Pregnancy Registry (855-358-8972). A second vaccine for meningococcal disease meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 (Menactra) is under study by the Menactra Vaccine Pregnancy Registry (800-822-2463). The Bexsero Pregnancy Registry (877-413-4759) is open to patients who have received the meningococcal group B vaccine (Bexsero). The Hepatitis B Vaccine [Recombinant] Adjuvanted Pregnancy Registry, also listed as HEPLISAV-B, is enrolling patients who have received that vaccine (844-443-7734); it is supported by the Dynavax Technologies Corporation.

Mr. Briggs is clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, as well as at Washington State University, Spokane. Mr. Briggs said he had no relevant financial disclosures. Email him at obnews@mdedge.com.

The use of only one 2017 novel drug (Benznidazole) during breastfeeding has been reported. No reports describing the use of the other drugs while breastfeeding have been located. Nevertheless, exposure of a nursing infant should be considered if the mother is taking any of these drugs.

During the first 2 days after birth, nearly all drugs will be excreted into milk, but the amounts are very small and will probably have no effect on the nursing infant. After the second day, drugs with molecular weights of less than 1,000 g/mol will be excreted into milk. Some drugs with high molecular weights may also be excreted, but they may be digested in the infant’s gut. If a mother is receiving one of the drugs below and is breastfeeding, her infant should be monitored for the most common adverse effects, shown below, that were observed in nonpregnant adults.

Anti-infectives

Benznidazole (MW 260 g/mol). Abdominal pain, rash, decreased weight, headache, nausea, vomiting, neutropenia, urticaria, pruritus, eosinophilia, decreased appetite.

Delafloxacin (Baxdela) (MW 441 g/mol). Nausea, diarrhea, headache, transaminase elevations, vomiting.

Glecaprevir / Pibrentasvir (Mavyret) (MWs 839, 1,113 g/mol). Headache, fatigue.

Letermovir (Prevymis) (MW 573 g/mol). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, peripheral edema, cough, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain.

Meropenem / vaborbactam (Vabomere) (MWs 438, 297 g/mol). Headache, diarrhea.

Ozenoxacin cream (Xepi) (MW 363 g/mol). No relevant adverse reactions.

Sofosbuvir / Velpatasvir / Voxilaprevir (Vosevi) (MWs 529, 883, 869 g/mol). Headache, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea.

Secnidazole (Solosec) (MW 185 g/mol). Headache, nausea, dysgeusia, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. Manufacturer recommends discontinuing breastfeeding for 96 hours after administration of the drug.

Antineoplastics

[Note: All of the drugs in this category are best avoided, if possible, when breastfeeding.]

Abemaciclib (Verzenio) (MW 507 g/mol). Diarrhea, neutropenia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, infections, fatigue, anemia, leukopenia, decreased appetite, headache, alopecia, thrombocytopenia.

Acalabrutinib (Calquence) (MW 466 g/mol). Anemia, thrombocytopenia, headache, neutropenia, diarrhea, myalgia, bruising.

Avelumab (Bavencio) (MW 147 kg/mol). Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, nausea, rash, decreased appetite, peripheral edema, urinary tract infection.

Brigatinib (Alunbrig) (MW 584 g/mol). Nausea, fatigue, cough, headache.

Copanlisib (Aliqopa) (MW 480 g/mol). Hyperglycemia, diarrhea, decreased strength and energy, hypertension, leukopenia, neutropenia, nausea, lower respiratory infections, thrombocytopenia.

Durvalumab (Imfinzi) (MW 146 kg/mol). Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, constipation, decreased appetite, nausea, peripheral edema, urinary tract infections, cough, upper respiratory tract infections, dyspnea, rash.

Enasidenib mesylate (Idhifa) (MW 569 g/mol). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated bilirubin, decreased appetite.

Inotuzumab ozogamicin (Besponsa) (MW 160 kg/mol). Thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia, leukopenia, fatigue, hemorrhage, pyrexia, nausea, headache, febrile neutropenia, transaminases increased, abdominal pain, increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, and hyperbilirubinemia.

Midostaurin (Rydapt) (MW 571 g/mol). Febrile neutropenia, nausea, mucositis, vomiting, headache, petechiae, musculoskeletal pain, epistaxis, hyperglycemia, vomiting, diarrhea, edema, pyrexia, dyspnea.

Neratinib (Nerlynx) (MW 557 g/mol). Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, rash, stomatitis, decreased appetite, muscle spasms, dyspepsia, nail disorder, dry skin, abdominal distention, decreased weight, urinary tract infection.

Niraparib (Zejula) (MW 511 g/mol). Thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, leukopenia, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain/distention, mucositis/stomatitis, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue/asthenia, decreased appetite, urinary tract infection, myalgia, back pain, arthralgia, headache, dizziness, dysgeusia, insomnia, anxiety, nasopharyngitis, dyspnea, cough, rash, hypertension.

Ribociclib (Kisqali) (MW 553 g/mol). Neutropenia, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, leukopenia, alopecia, vomiting, constipation, headache, back pain.

Cardiovascular

Angiotensin II (Giapreza) (MW 1,046 g/mol). Thromboembolic events.

Central nervous system

Deutetrabenazine (Austedo) (MW 324 g/mol). Somnolence, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, nasopharyngitis.

Edaravone (Radicava) (MW 174 g/mol). Confusion, gait disturbance, headache.

Naldemedine (Symproic) (MW 743 g/mol). Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, gastroenteritis.

Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) (MW 145 kg/mol). Upper and lower respiratory tract infections.

Safinamide (Xadago) (MW 399 g/mol). Dyskinesia, fall, nausea, insomnia.

Valbenazine (Ingrezza) (MW 419 g/mol). Somnolence.

Dermatologic

Brodalumab (Siliq) (MW 144 kg/mol). Arthralgia, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, oropharyngeal pain, nausea, myalgia, influenza, neutropenia, tinea infections.

Dupilumab (Dupixent) (MW 146.9 kg/mol). Conjunctivitis, blepharitis, oral herpes, keratitis, eye pruritus, other herpes simplex virus infection, dry eye.

Guselkumab (Tremfya) (MW 143.6 kg/mol). Upper respiratory infections, headache, arthralgia, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, tinea infections, herpes simplex infections.

Endocrine / metabolic

Deflazacort (Emflaza) (MW 442 g/mol). Cushingoid appearance, weight increased, increased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, pollakiuria, hirsutism, central obesity, nasopharyngitis.

Ertugliflozin (Steglatro) (MW 566 g/mol). Female genital mycotic infections.

Etelcalcetide (Parsabiv) (MW 1,048 g/mol). Blood calcium decreased, muscle spasms, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, hypocalcemia, paresthesia.

Macimorelin (Macrilen) (MW 535 g/mol). Dysgeusia, dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, hunger, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, feeling hot, hyperhidrosis, nasopharyngitis, sinus bradycardia.

Semaglutide (Ozempic) (MW 4,114 g/mol). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation.

Vestronidase alfa (Mepsevii) (MW 72.5 kg/mol). Diarrhea, rash, anaphylaxis, pruritus.

Gastrointestinal

Plecanatide (Trulance) (MW 1.7 kg/mol). Diarrhea.

Telotristat (Xermelo) (MW 574 g/mol). Nausea, headache, increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, depression, flatulence, decreased appetite, peripheral edema, pyrexia.

Hematologic

Betrixaban (Bevyxxa) (MW 568 g/mol). Bleeding.

Emicizumab (Hemlibra) (MW 145.6 kg/mol). Headache, arthralgia.

Immunologic

Sarilumab (Kevzara) (MW 150 kg/mol). Neutropenia, increased ALT, upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections.

Ophthalmic

Latanoprostene bunod (Vyzulta) (MW 508 g/mol). All related to the eye.

Netarsudil (Rhopressa) (MW 454 g/mol). All related to the eye.

Parathyroid hormone

Abaloparatide (Tymlos) (MW 3.9 kg/mol). Hypercalciuria, dizziness, nausea, headache, palpitations, fatigue, upper abdominal pain, vertigo.

Respiratory

Benralizumab (Fasenra) (MW 150 kg/mol). Headache, pharyngitis.

The use of only one 2017 novel drug (Benznidazole) during breastfeeding has been reported. No reports describing the use of the other drugs while breastfeeding have been located. Nevertheless, exposure of a nursing infant should be considered if the mother is taking any of these drugs.

During the first 2 days after birth, nearly all drugs will be excreted into milk, but the amounts are very small and will probably have no effect on the nursing infant. After the second day, drugs with molecular weights of less than 1,000 g/mol will be excreted into milk. Some drugs with high molecular weights may also be excreted, but they may be digested in the infant’s gut. If a mother is receiving one of the drugs below and is breastfeeding, her infant should be monitored for the most common adverse effects, shown below, that were observed in nonpregnant adults.

Anti-infectives

Benznidazole (MW 260 g/mol). Abdominal pain, rash, decreased weight, headache, nausea, vomiting, neutropenia, urticaria, pruritus, eosinophilia, decreased appetite.

Delafloxacin (Baxdela) (MW 441 g/mol). Nausea, diarrhea, headache, transaminase elevations, vomiting.

Glecaprevir / Pibrentasvir (Mavyret) (MWs 839, 1,113 g/mol). Headache, fatigue.

Letermovir (Prevymis) (MW 573 g/mol). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, peripheral edema, cough, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain.

Meropenem / vaborbactam (Vabomere) (MWs 438, 297 g/mol). Headache, diarrhea.

Ozenoxacin cream (Xepi) (MW 363 g/mol). No relevant adverse reactions.

Sofosbuvir / Velpatasvir / Voxilaprevir (Vosevi) (MWs 529, 883, 869 g/mol). Headache, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea.

Secnidazole (Solosec) (MW 185 g/mol). Headache, nausea, dysgeusia, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. Manufacturer recommends discontinuing breastfeeding for 96 hours after administration of the drug.

Antineoplastics

[Note: All of the drugs in this category are best avoided, if possible, when breastfeeding.]

Abemaciclib (Verzenio) (MW 507 g/mol). Diarrhea, neutropenia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, infections, fatigue, anemia, leukopenia, decreased appetite, headache, alopecia, thrombocytopenia.

Acalabrutinib (Calquence) (MW 466 g/mol). Anemia, thrombocytopenia, headache, neutropenia, diarrhea, myalgia, bruising.

Avelumab (Bavencio) (MW 147 kg/mol). Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, nausea, rash, decreased appetite, peripheral edema, urinary tract infection.

Brigatinib (Alunbrig) (MW 584 g/mol). Nausea, fatigue, cough, headache.

Copanlisib (Aliqopa) (MW 480 g/mol). Hyperglycemia, diarrhea, decreased strength and energy, hypertension, leukopenia, neutropenia, nausea, lower respiratory infections, thrombocytopenia.

Durvalumab (Imfinzi) (MW 146 kg/mol). Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, constipation, decreased appetite, nausea, peripheral edema, urinary tract infections, cough, upper respiratory tract infections, dyspnea, rash.

Enasidenib mesylate (Idhifa) (MW 569 g/mol). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated bilirubin, decreased appetite.

Inotuzumab ozogamicin (Besponsa) (MW 160 kg/mol). Thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia, leukopenia, fatigue, hemorrhage, pyrexia, nausea, headache, febrile neutropenia, transaminases increased, abdominal pain, increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, and hyperbilirubinemia.

Midostaurin (Rydapt) (MW 571 g/mol). Febrile neutropenia, nausea, mucositis, vomiting, headache, petechiae, musculoskeletal pain, epistaxis, hyperglycemia, vomiting, diarrhea, edema, pyrexia, dyspnea.

Neratinib (Nerlynx) (MW 557 g/mol). Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, rash, stomatitis, decreased appetite, muscle spasms, dyspepsia, nail disorder, dry skin, abdominal distention, decreased weight, urinary tract infection.

Niraparib (Zejula) (MW 511 g/mol). Thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, leukopenia, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain/distention, mucositis/stomatitis, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue/asthenia, decreased appetite, urinary tract infection, myalgia, back pain, arthralgia, headache, dizziness, dysgeusia, insomnia, anxiety, nasopharyngitis, dyspnea, cough, rash, hypertension.

Ribociclib (Kisqali) (MW 553 g/mol). Neutropenia, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, leukopenia, alopecia, vomiting, constipation, headache, back pain.

Cardiovascular

Angiotensin II (Giapreza) (MW 1,046 g/mol). Thromboembolic events.

Central nervous system

Deutetrabenazine (Austedo) (MW 324 g/mol). Somnolence, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, nasopharyngitis.

Edaravone (Radicava) (MW 174 g/mol). Confusion, gait disturbance, headache.

Naldemedine (Symproic) (MW 743 g/mol). Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, gastroenteritis.

Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) (MW 145 kg/mol). Upper and lower respiratory tract infections.

Safinamide (Xadago) (MW 399 g/mol). Dyskinesia, fall, nausea, insomnia.

Valbenazine (Ingrezza) (MW 419 g/mol). Somnolence.

Dermatologic

Brodalumab (Siliq) (MW 144 kg/mol). Arthralgia, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, oropharyngeal pain, nausea, myalgia, influenza, neutropenia, tinea infections.

Dupilumab (Dupixent) (MW 146.9 kg/mol). Conjunctivitis, blepharitis, oral herpes, keratitis, eye pruritus, other herpes simplex virus infection, dry eye.

Guselkumab (Tremfya) (MW 143.6 kg/mol). Upper respiratory infections, headache, arthralgia, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, tinea infections, herpes simplex infections.

Endocrine / metabolic

Deflazacort (Emflaza) (MW 442 g/mol). Cushingoid appearance, weight increased, increased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, pollakiuria, hirsutism, central obesity, nasopharyngitis.

Ertugliflozin (Steglatro) (MW 566 g/mol). Female genital mycotic infections.

Etelcalcetide (Parsabiv) (MW 1,048 g/mol). Blood calcium decreased, muscle spasms, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, hypocalcemia, paresthesia.

Macimorelin (Macrilen) (MW 535 g/mol). Dysgeusia, dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, hunger, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, feeling hot, hyperhidrosis, nasopharyngitis, sinus bradycardia.

Semaglutide (Ozempic) (MW 4,114 g/mol). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation.

Vestronidase alfa (Mepsevii) (MW 72.5 kg/mol). Diarrhea, rash, anaphylaxis, pruritus.

Gastrointestinal

Plecanatide (Trulance) (MW 1.7 kg/mol). Diarrhea.

Telotristat (Xermelo) (MW 574 g/mol). Nausea, headache, increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, depression, flatulence, decreased appetite, peripheral edema, pyrexia.

Hematologic

Betrixaban (Bevyxxa) (MW 568 g/mol). Bleeding.

Emicizumab (Hemlibra) (MW 145.6 kg/mol). Headache, arthralgia.

Immunologic

Sarilumab (Kevzara) (MW 150 kg/mol). Neutropenia, increased ALT, upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections.

Ophthalmic

Latanoprostene bunod (Vyzulta) (MW 508 g/mol). All related to the eye.

Netarsudil (Rhopressa) (MW 454 g/mol). All related to the eye.

Parathyroid hormone

Abaloparatide (Tymlos) (MW 3.9 kg/mol). Hypercalciuria, dizziness, nausea, headache, palpitations, fatigue, upper abdominal pain, vertigo.

Respiratory

Benralizumab (Fasenra) (MW 150 kg/mol). Headache, pharyngitis.

The use of only one 2017 novel drug (Benznidazole) during breastfeeding has been reported. No reports describing the use of the other drugs while breastfeeding have been located. Nevertheless, exposure of a nursing infant should be considered if the mother is taking any of these drugs.

During the first 2 days after birth, nearly all drugs will be excreted into milk, but the amounts are very small and will probably have no effect on the nursing infant. After the second day, drugs with molecular weights of less than 1,000 g/mol will be excreted into milk. Some drugs with high molecular weights may also be excreted, but they may be digested in the infant’s gut. If a mother is receiving one of the drugs below and is breastfeeding, her infant should be monitored for the most common adverse effects, shown below, that were observed in nonpregnant adults.

Anti-infectives

Benznidazole (MW 260 g/mol). Abdominal pain, rash, decreased weight, headache, nausea, vomiting, neutropenia, urticaria, pruritus, eosinophilia, decreased appetite.

Delafloxacin (Baxdela) (MW 441 g/mol). Nausea, diarrhea, headache, transaminase elevations, vomiting.

Glecaprevir / Pibrentasvir (Mavyret) (MWs 839, 1,113 g/mol). Headache, fatigue.

Letermovir (Prevymis) (MW 573 g/mol). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, peripheral edema, cough, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain.

Meropenem / vaborbactam (Vabomere) (MWs 438, 297 g/mol). Headache, diarrhea.

Ozenoxacin cream (Xepi) (MW 363 g/mol). No relevant adverse reactions.

Sofosbuvir / Velpatasvir / Voxilaprevir (Vosevi) (MWs 529, 883, 869 g/mol). Headache, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea.

Secnidazole (Solosec) (MW 185 g/mol). Headache, nausea, dysgeusia, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. Manufacturer recommends discontinuing breastfeeding for 96 hours after administration of the drug.

Antineoplastics

[Note: All of the drugs in this category are best avoided, if possible, when breastfeeding.]

Abemaciclib (Verzenio) (MW 507 g/mol). Diarrhea, neutropenia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, infections, fatigue, anemia, leukopenia, decreased appetite, headache, alopecia, thrombocytopenia.

Acalabrutinib (Calquence) (MW 466 g/mol). Anemia, thrombocytopenia, headache, neutropenia, diarrhea, myalgia, bruising.

Avelumab (Bavencio) (MW 147 kg/mol). Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, nausea, rash, decreased appetite, peripheral edema, urinary tract infection.

Brigatinib (Alunbrig) (MW 584 g/mol). Nausea, fatigue, cough, headache.

Copanlisib (Aliqopa) (MW 480 g/mol). Hyperglycemia, diarrhea, decreased strength and energy, hypertension, leukopenia, neutropenia, nausea, lower respiratory infections, thrombocytopenia.

Durvalumab (Imfinzi) (MW 146 kg/mol). Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, constipation, decreased appetite, nausea, peripheral edema, urinary tract infections, cough, upper respiratory tract infections, dyspnea, rash.

Enasidenib mesylate (Idhifa) (MW 569 g/mol). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated bilirubin, decreased appetite.

Inotuzumab ozogamicin (Besponsa) (MW 160 kg/mol). Thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia, leukopenia, fatigue, hemorrhage, pyrexia, nausea, headache, febrile neutropenia, transaminases increased, abdominal pain, increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, and hyperbilirubinemia.

Midostaurin (Rydapt) (MW 571 g/mol). Febrile neutropenia, nausea, mucositis, vomiting, headache, petechiae, musculoskeletal pain, epistaxis, hyperglycemia, vomiting, diarrhea, edema, pyrexia, dyspnea.

Neratinib (Nerlynx) (MW 557 g/mol). Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, rash, stomatitis, decreased appetite, muscle spasms, dyspepsia, nail disorder, dry skin, abdominal distention, decreased weight, urinary tract infection.

Niraparib (Zejula) (MW 511 g/mol). Thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, leukopenia, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain/distention, mucositis/stomatitis, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue/asthenia, decreased appetite, urinary tract infection, myalgia, back pain, arthralgia, headache, dizziness, dysgeusia, insomnia, anxiety, nasopharyngitis, dyspnea, cough, rash, hypertension.

Ribociclib (Kisqali) (MW 553 g/mol). Neutropenia, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, leukopenia, alopecia, vomiting, constipation, headache, back pain.

Cardiovascular

Angiotensin II (Giapreza) (MW 1,046 g/mol). Thromboembolic events.

Central nervous system

Deutetrabenazine (Austedo) (MW 324 g/mol). Somnolence, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, nasopharyngitis.

Edaravone (Radicava) (MW 174 g/mol). Confusion, gait disturbance, headache.

Naldemedine (Symproic) (MW 743 g/mol). Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, gastroenteritis.

Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) (MW 145 kg/mol). Upper and lower respiratory tract infections.

Safinamide (Xadago) (MW 399 g/mol). Dyskinesia, fall, nausea, insomnia.

Valbenazine (Ingrezza) (MW 419 g/mol). Somnolence.

Dermatologic

Brodalumab (Siliq) (MW 144 kg/mol). Arthralgia, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, oropharyngeal pain, nausea, myalgia, influenza, neutropenia, tinea infections.

Dupilumab (Dupixent) (MW 146.9 kg/mol). Conjunctivitis, blepharitis, oral herpes, keratitis, eye pruritus, other herpes simplex virus infection, dry eye.

Guselkumab (Tremfya) (MW 143.6 kg/mol). Upper respiratory infections, headache, arthralgia, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, tinea infections, herpes simplex infections.

Endocrine / metabolic

Deflazacort (Emflaza) (MW 442 g/mol). Cushingoid appearance, weight increased, increased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, pollakiuria, hirsutism, central obesity, nasopharyngitis.

Ertugliflozin (Steglatro) (MW 566 g/mol). Female genital mycotic infections.

Etelcalcetide (Parsabiv) (MW 1,048 g/mol). Blood calcium decreased, muscle spasms, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, hypocalcemia, paresthesia.

Macimorelin (Macrilen) (MW 535 g/mol). Dysgeusia, dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, hunger, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, feeling hot, hyperhidrosis, nasopharyngitis, sinus bradycardia.

Semaglutide (Ozempic) (MW 4,114 g/mol). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation.

Vestronidase alfa (Mepsevii) (MW 72.5 kg/mol). Diarrhea, rash, anaphylaxis, pruritus.

Gastrointestinal

Plecanatide (Trulance) (MW 1.7 kg/mol). Diarrhea.

Telotristat (Xermelo) (MW 574 g/mol). Nausea, headache, increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, depression, flatulence, decreased appetite, peripheral edema, pyrexia.

Hematologic

Betrixaban (Bevyxxa) (MW 568 g/mol). Bleeding.

Emicizumab (Hemlibra) (MW 145.6 kg/mol). Headache, arthralgia.

Immunologic

Sarilumab (Kevzara) (MW 150 kg/mol). Neutropenia, increased ALT, upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections.

Ophthalmic

Latanoprostene bunod (Vyzulta) (MW 508 g/mol). All related to the eye.

Netarsudil (Rhopressa) (MW 454 g/mol). All related to the eye.

Parathyroid hormone

Abaloparatide (Tymlos) (MW 3.9 kg/mol). Hypercalciuria, dizziness, nausea, headache, palpitations, fatigue, upper abdominal pain, vertigo.

Respiratory

Benralizumab (Fasenra) (MW 150 kg/mol). Headache, pharyngitis.

Novel drugs are innovative new products that have never before been used in clinical practice. Among the 46 that the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2017, 45 could be used in pregnancy. One, cerliponase alfa (Brineura), is indicated for pediatric patients 3 years of age or older, for treatment of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2. It is doubtful that this drug would be used in pregnancy or during breastfeeding.

With the two exceptions noted below, there are no human pregnancy data for these drugs. It is important to consider that although high molecular weight (MW) drugs (for example, greater than 1,000) probably do not usually cross the placenta in the first half of pregnancy, they may do so in late pregnancy. The cited MWs are shown as the nearest whole number. Animal reproductive data are also cited because, although not definitive, they can provide some measure of the human embryo-fetal risk.
 

Anti-infectives

Benznidazole (same trade name) (MW 441), given orally, is indicated for pediatric patients aged 2-12 years for treatment of Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. However, there are international reports describing its use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. No fetal harm from these exposures were noted. Nevertheless, because of the low MW and the reported animal risk, avoiding the drug during the first half of pregnancy appears to be the best choice. Delafloxacin (Baxdela) (MW 441), a fluoroquinolone antimicrobial given intravenously or orally, is indicated for acute bacterial skin infections. The animal data suggest low risk. However, like other fluoroquinolones, it is contraindicated in pregnancy and should be used only if there are no other alternatives.

Antineoplastics

[Note: All of the drugs in this category are best avoided, if possible, in pregnancy and breastfeeding.]

Abemaciclib (Verzenio) (MW 507), an oral inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases, is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer. The drug is teratogenic in rats. Acalabrutinib (Calquence) (MW 466) is an oral kinase inhibitor indicated for mantle cell lymphoma. The drug had no effect on the rat embryo-fetus but caused decreased fetal body weights and delayed skeletal ossification in rabbits. Avelumab (Bavencio) (MW 147,000) is given intravenously for the treatment of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma and metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. However, based on its mechanism of action, fetal exposure may increase the risk of developing immune-related disorders or altering the normal immune response.

Brigatinib (Alunbrig) (MW 584) is given orally for the treatment of metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer. In rats, doses less than or slightly above the human exposure caused multiple anomalies in the fetuses of pregnant rats. Copanlisib (Aliqopa) (MW 553) is a kinase inhibitor that is given intravenously for relapsed follicular lymphoma. In rats during organogenesis, doses based on body surface area that were a fraction of the human dose caused embryo-fetal death and fetal defects. Durvalumab (Imfinzi) (MW 146,000), given intravenously, is indicated for the treatment of metastatic urothelial carcinoma and non–small-cell lung cancer. Monkeys given the drug from organogenesis through delivery experienced increased premature birth, fetal loss, and premature neonatal death. Women of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.

Enasidenib (Idhifa) (MW 569), given orally, is indicated for the treatment of myeloid leukemia. The drug caused maternal toxicity and adverse embryo-fetal effects (postimplantation loss, resorptions, decrease viable fetuses, lower fetal birth weights, and skeletal variations) in rats and spontaneous abortions in rabbits. Inotuzumab ozogamicin (Besponsa) (MW 160,000), given intravenously, is indicated for relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The drug caused fetal harm in rats but not in rabbits. Midostaurin (Rydapt) (MW 571) is an oral kinase inhibitor indicated for myeloid leukemia. In rats, a dose given during the first week of pregnancy that was a small fraction of the human exposure caused pre- and postimplantation loss. When very small doses were given during organogenesis to rats and rabbits there was significant maternal and fetal toxicity.

Neratinib (Nerlynx) (MW 673) is an oral kinase inhibitor for breast cancer. Although the drug did not cause embryo-fetal toxicity in rats, it did cause this toxicity in rabbits. Doses that resulted in exposures that were less than the human exposure caused maternal toxicity, abortions, and embryo-fetal death. Lower doses caused multiple fetal anomalies. Niraparib (Zejula) (MW 511) is indicated for treatment of epithelial ovarian, fallopian, or peritoneal cancer. Because of the potential human embryo-fetal risk based on its mechanism of action, pregnant animal studies were not conducted. Women with reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. Ribociclib (Kisqali) (MW 553) is an oral kinase inhibitor indicated for postmenopausal women with breast cancer. In rats, the drug cause reduced fetal weights and skeletal changes. Increased incidences of fetal abnormalities and lower fetal weights were observed in rabbits.
 

Cardiovascular

Angiotensin II (Giapreza) (MW 1,046) is a naturally occurring peptide hormone given as an intravenous infusion. It is indicated as a vasoconstrictor to increase blood pressure in adults with septic or other distributive shock. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Because septic or other distributive shock is a medical emergency that can be fatal, the use of this agent in pregnancy should not be withheld.

Central nervous system

Deutetrabenazine (Austedo) (MW 324) is an oral drug indicated for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington’s disease and for tardive dyskinesia. When given to rats during organogenesis there was no clear effect on embryo-fetal development.

Edaravone (Radicava) (MW 174), given as an intravenous infusion, is indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Doses that were not maternal toxic did not cause embryo-fetal toxicity in rats and rabbits. However, the no-effect dose for developmental toxicity was less than the recommended human dose. Naldemedine (Symproic) (MW 743) is an opioid antagonist indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation. The drug crosses the human placenta and may precipitate opioid withdrawal in the fetus. The drug caused no embryo-fetal adverse effects, even at high doses, in pregnant rats and rabbits.

Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) (MW 145,000), an intravenous agent, is used to treat patients with multiple sclerosis. The MW is high but immunoglobulins are known to cross the placenta. When given to monkeys at doses similar to or greater than the human dose, there was increased perinatal mortality, depletion of B-cell populations, and renal, bone marrow, and testicular toxicity in the offspring in the absence of maternal toxicity. Safinamide (Xadago) (MW 399) is an oral drug indicated as adjunctive treatment to levodopa/carbidopa in Parkinson’s disease. In rats, the drug was teratogenic (mainly urogenital defects) at all doses. When it was combined with levodopa/carbidopa or used alone, increased rates of fetal visceral and skeletal defects occurred at all doses studied. In rabbits, given the combination throughout organogenesis, there was an increased incidence of embryo-fetal death and cardiac and skeletal defects. Based on these data, avoiding the drug in pregnancy appears to be the best course.

Valbenazine (Ingrezza) (MW 419) is indicated for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. The drug caused no malformations in rats and rabbits. However, in rats given the drug during organogenesis through lactation, an increase in the number of stillborn pups and postnatal pup mortalities was observed.

Dermatologic

Brodalumab (Siliq) (MW 144,000), given subcutaneously, is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is a human monoclonal IgG antibody and, even though the MW is high, IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta. In monkeys, no drug-related effects on embryo-fetal toxicity or malformations, or on morphological, functional, or immunological development were observed in infants from mothers given weekly subcutaneous doses of the drug. Dupilumab (Dupixent) (MW 144,000) is given subcutaneously for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. It is a human monoclonal IgG antibody and, even though the MW is high, IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta. In pregnant monkeys given subcutaneous doses of the drug, no drug-related effects on embryo-fetal toxicity or malformations, or on morphological, functional, or immunological development were observed in infants from birth to 6 months of age.

Guselkumab (Tremfya) (MW 143,600) is given subcutaneously for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is a human monoclonal IgG antibody and, even though the MW is high, IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta. In pregnant monkeys given subcutaneous doses of the drug, no drug-related effects on embryo-fetal toxicity or malformations, or on morphological, functional, or immunological development were observed in infants from birth to 6 months of age. However, neonatal deaths were observed in three monkeys given six times the maximum recommended human dose.
 

Endocrine/metabolic

Deflazacort (Emflaza) (MW 442) is an oral corticosteroid prodrug indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The drug is converted in vivo to an active metabolite. The drug readily crosses the placenta. Although animal reproduction studies have not been conducted, such studies with other corticosteroids in various animal species have shown an increased incidence of cleft palate. In some species, there was an increase in embryo-fetal death, intrauterine growth restriction, and constriction of the ductus arteriosus.

Ertugliflozin (Steglatro) (MW 566) is an oral drug indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In juvenile rats, doses that were about 13 times the human dose caused increased kidney weight, renal tubule and renal pelvis dilatation, and renal mineralization. These effects occurred during periods of rat renal development that correspond to the late second and third trimester of human renal development, and did not fully reverse within a 1-month recovery period. Etelcalcetide (Parsabiv) (MW 1,048), an intravenous calcium-sensing receptor agonist, is indicated for patients on hemodialysis who have secondary hyperparathyroidism. In rats and rabbits given the drug during organogenesis, there was reduced fetal growth. In rats given the drug during organogenesis through birth and weaning, there was a slight increase in pup mortality, delay in parturition, and transient effects on pup growth, but there were no effects on sexual maturation, neurobehavioral, or reproductive function. Macimorelin (Macrilen) (MW 535) is an oral growth hormone secretagogue receptor agonist. It is indicated for adult growth hormone deficiency. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted.

Semaglutide (Ozempic) (MW 4,114), given subcutaneously, is a glucagon-like peptide indicated to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. In rats given the drug during organogenesis, embryo-fetal death, structural defects, and alterations in growth were observed. In rabbits and monkeys given the drug during organogenesis, there were early pregnancy losses and structural abnormalities. In addition, there was marked maternal body weight loss in both animal species. Vestronidase alfa-vjbk (Mepsevii) is given intravenously. It is indicated for the treatment of Mucopolysaccharidosis VII (Sly syndrome). The calculated average MW of each nonglycosylated peptide chain is 72,562. In rats and rabbits given the drug during organogenesis, there was no maternal toxicity or adverse developmental outcomes.

Gastrointestinal

Plecanatide (Trulance) (MW 1,682) is an oral drug indicated for the treatment of constipation. The drug and its active metabolite are negligibly absorbed systemically and fetal exposure to the drug is not expected. In mice and rabbits given the oral drug during organogenesis, no effects on embryo-fetal development were observed. Telotristat ethyl (Xermelo) (MW 754) is an oral drug indicated for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea in combination with somatostatin analog (MW not specified) therapy in adults not controlled by somatostatin analog. When given during organogenesis in rats, there was no effect on embryo-fetal development at doses that were about nine times the recommended human dose. However, an increased incidence of mortality in rat offspring was observed when the drug was given from organogenesis through lactation. During organogenesis in rabbits, the drug had no embryo-fetal effects at doses that were 10 or more times the human dose.

Hematologics

Betrixaban (Bevyxxa) (MW 568) is an oral factor Xa inhibitor indicated for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism. The drug was not associated with adverse developmental fetal outcomes in rats and rabbits. However, maternal hemorrhage did occur. In humans, there is an increased risk of hemorrhage during pregnancy and delivery. Emicizumab (Hemlibra) (MW 145,600), given subcutaneously, is indicated for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding in patients with hemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. It is a human monoclonal IgG antibody and, though the MW is high, IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta.

 

Immunologic

Sarilumab (Kevzara) (MW 150,000) is given subcutaneously. It is indicated for patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Reproduction studies were conducted in pregnant monkeys. There was no evidence of embryo toxicity or fetal malformations. Based on this data, the human pregnancy risk is low.

Ophthalmic

Latanoprostene bunod (Vyzulta) (MW 508) is a prostaglandin analog that is indicated to reduce intraocular pressure. No quantifiable plasma concentrations of latanoprostene bunod were detected in nonpregnant patients. However, very low levels of latanoprost acid (51-59 pg/mL), the active metabolite, were detected with the maximal plasma concentration occurring 5 minutes after administration. When given intravenously to pregnant rabbits, the drug was shown to be abortifacient and teratogenic, but these effects were not observed in pregnant rats. Netarsudil (Rhopressa) (MW 454) is a kinase inhibitor indicated to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. No quantifiable plasma concentrations of netarsudil were detected in 18 subjects. For the active metabolite, a plasma level of 0.11 ng/mL was found in one subject. Intravenous doses to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis did not cause embryo-fetal adverse effects at clinically relevant systemic exposures.

Parathyroid hormone

Abaloparatide (Tymlos) (MW 3,961), given subcutaneously, is a human parathyroid hormone related peptide analog that is indicated for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture. Reproduction studies in animals have not been conducted. Because of the indication, it is doubtful if the agent will be used in pregnancy or during breastfeeding.

Respiratory

Benralizumab (Fasenra) (MW 150,000), given subcutaneously, is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma. It is a human monoclonal IgG antibody and, though the MW is high, IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta. Studies in monkeys found no evidence of fetal harm with intravenous doses throughout pregnancy that produced exposures up to about 310 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose.

The potential adverse effects in an infant when the mother is taking one of the above drugs while breastfeeding will be covered in my next column.

Mr. Briggs is clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, as well as at Washington State University, Spokane. He coauthored “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation” and coedited “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He reported having no relevant financial disclosures.

Novel drugs are innovative new products that have never before been used in clinical practice. Among the 46 that the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2017, 45 could be used in pregnancy. One, cerliponase alfa (Brineura), is indicated for pediatric patients 3 years of age or older, for treatment of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2. It is doubtful that this drug would be used in pregnancy or during breastfeeding.

With the two exceptions noted below, there are no human pregnancy data for these drugs. It is important to consider that although high molecular weight (MW) drugs (for example, greater than 1,000) probably do not usually cross the placenta in the first half of pregnancy, they may do so in late pregnancy. The cited MWs are shown as the nearest whole number. Animal reproductive data are also cited because, although not definitive, they can provide some measure of the human embryo-fetal risk.
 

Anti-infectives

Benznidazole (same trade name) (MW 441), given orally, is indicated for pediatric patients aged 2-12 years for treatment of Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. However, there are international reports describing its use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. No fetal harm from these exposures were noted. Nevertheless, because of the low MW and the reported animal risk, avoiding the drug during the first half of pregnancy appears to be the best choice. Delafloxacin (Baxdela) (MW 441), a fluoroquinolone antimicrobial given intravenously or orally, is indicated for acute bacterial skin infections. The animal data suggest low risk. However, like other fluoroquinolones, it is contraindicated in pregnancy and should be used only if there are no other alternatives.

Antineoplastics

[Note: All of the drugs in this category are best avoided, if possible, in pregnancy and breastfeeding.]

Abemaciclib (Verzenio) (MW 507), an oral inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases, is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer. The drug is teratogenic in rats. Acalabrutinib (Calquence) (MW 466) is an oral kinase inhibitor indicated for mantle cell lymphoma. The drug had no effect on the rat embryo-fetus but caused decreased fetal body weights and delayed skeletal ossification in rabbits. Avelumab (Bavencio) (MW 147,000) is given intravenously for the treatment of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma and metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. However, based on its mechanism of action, fetal exposure may increase the risk of developing immune-related disorders or altering the normal immune response.

Brigatinib (Alunbrig) (MW 584) is given orally for the treatment of metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer. In rats, doses less than or slightly above the human exposure caused multiple anomalies in the fetuses of pregnant rats. Copanlisib (Aliqopa) (MW 553) is a kinase inhibitor that is given intravenously for relapsed follicular lymphoma. In rats during organogenesis, doses based on body surface area that were a fraction of the human dose caused embryo-fetal death and fetal defects. Durvalumab (Imfinzi) (MW 146,000), given intravenously, is indicated for the treatment of metastatic urothelial carcinoma and non–small-cell lung cancer. Monkeys given the drug from organogenesis through delivery experienced increased premature birth, fetal loss, and premature neonatal death. Women of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.

Enasidenib (Idhifa) (MW 569), given orally, is indicated for the treatment of myeloid leukemia. The drug caused maternal toxicity and adverse embryo-fetal effects (postimplantation loss, resorptions, decrease viable fetuses, lower fetal birth weights, and skeletal variations) in rats and spontaneous abortions in rabbits. Inotuzumab ozogamicin (Besponsa) (MW 160,000), given intravenously, is indicated for relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The drug caused fetal harm in rats but not in rabbits. Midostaurin (Rydapt) (MW 571) is an oral kinase inhibitor indicated for myeloid leukemia. In rats, a dose given during the first week of pregnancy that was a small fraction of the human exposure caused pre- and postimplantation loss. When very small doses were given during organogenesis to rats and rabbits there was significant maternal and fetal toxicity.

Neratinib (Nerlynx) (MW 673) is an oral kinase inhibitor for breast cancer. Although the drug did not cause embryo-fetal toxicity in rats, it did cause this toxicity in rabbits. Doses that resulted in exposures that were less than the human exposure caused maternal toxicity, abortions, and embryo-fetal death. Lower doses caused multiple fetal anomalies. Niraparib (Zejula) (MW 511) is indicated for treatment of epithelial ovarian, fallopian, or peritoneal cancer. Because of the potential human embryo-fetal risk based on its mechanism of action, pregnant animal studies were not conducted. Women with reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. Ribociclib (Kisqali) (MW 553) is an oral kinase inhibitor indicated for postmenopausal women with breast cancer. In rats, the drug cause reduced fetal weights and skeletal changes. Increased incidences of fetal abnormalities and lower fetal weights were observed in rabbits.
 

Cardiovascular

Angiotensin II (Giapreza) (MW 1,046) is a naturally occurring peptide hormone given as an intravenous infusion. It is indicated as a vasoconstrictor to increase blood pressure in adults with septic or other distributive shock. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Because septic or other distributive shock is a medical emergency that can be fatal, the use of this agent in pregnancy should not be withheld.

Central nervous system

Deutetrabenazine (Austedo) (MW 324) is an oral drug indicated for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington’s disease and for tardive dyskinesia. When given to rats during organogenesis there was no clear effect on embryo-fetal development.

Edaravone (Radicava) (MW 174), given as an intravenous infusion, is indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Doses that were not maternal toxic did not cause embryo-fetal toxicity in rats and rabbits. However, the no-effect dose for developmental toxicity was less than the recommended human dose. Naldemedine (Symproic) (MW 743) is an opioid antagonist indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation. The drug crosses the human placenta and may precipitate opioid withdrawal in the fetus. The drug caused no embryo-fetal adverse effects, even at high doses, in pregnant rats and rabbits.

Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) (MW 145,000), an intravenous agent, is used to treat patients with multiple sclerosis. The MW is high but immunoglobulins are known to cross the placenta. When given to monkeys at doses similar to or greater than the human dose, there was increased perinatal mortality, depletion of B-cell populations, and renal, bone marrow, and testicular toxicity in the offspring in the absence of maternal toxicity. Safinamide (Xadago) (MW 399) is an oral drug indicated as adjunctive treatment to levodopa/carbidopa in Parkinson’s disease. In rats, the drug was teratogenic (mainly urogenital defects) at all doses. When it was combined with levodopa/carbidopa or used alone, increased rates of fetal visceral and skeletal defects occurred at all doses studied. In rabbits, given the combination throughout organogenesis, there was an increased incidence of embryo-fetal death and cardiac and skeletal defects. Based on these data, avoiding the drug in pregnancy appears to be the best course.

Valbenazine (Ingrezza) (MW 419) is indicated for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. The drug caused no malformations in rats and rabbits. However, in rats given the drug during organogenesis through lactation, an increase in the number of stillborn pups and postnatal pup mortalities was observed.

Dermatologic

Brodalumab (Siliq) (MW 144,000), given subcutaneously, is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is a human monoclonal IgG antibody and, even though the MW is high, IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta. In monkeys, no drug-related effects on embryo-fetal toxicity or malformations, or on morphological, functional, or immunological development were observed in infants from mothers given weekly subcutaneous doses of the drug. Dupilumab (Dupixent) (MW 144,000) is given subcutaneously for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. It is a human monoclonal IgG antibody and, even though the MW is high, IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta. In pregnant monkeys given subcutaneous doses of the drug, no drug-related effects on embryo-fetal toxicity or malformations, or on morphological, functional, or immunological development were observed in infants from birth to 6 months of age.

Guselkumab (Tremfya) (MW 143,600) is given subcutaneously for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is a human monoclonal IgG antibody and, even though the MW is high, IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta. In pregnant monkeys given subcutaneous doses of the drug, no drug-related effects on embryo-fetal toxicity or malformations, or on morphological, functional, or immunological development were observed in infants from birth to 6 months of age. However, neonatal deaths were observed in three monkeys given six times the maximum recommended human dose.
 

Endocrine/metabolic

Deflazacort (Emflaza) (MW 442) is an oral corticosteroid prodrug indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The drug is converted in vivo to an active metabolite. The drug readily crosses the placenta. Although animal reproduction studies have not been conducted, such studies with other corticosteroids in various animal species have shown an increased incidence of cleft palate. In some species, there was an increase in embryo-fetal death, intrauterine growth restriction, and constriction of the ductus arteriosus.

Ertugliflozin (Steglatro) (MW 566) is an oral drug indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In juvenile rats, doses that were about 13 times the human dose caused increased kidney weight, renal tubule and renal pelvis dilatation, and renal mineralization. These effects occurred during periods of rat renal development that correspond to the late second and third trimester of human renal development, and did not fully reverse within a 1-month recovery period. Etelcalcetide (Parsabiv) (MW 1,048), an intravenous calcium-sensing receptor agonist, is indicated for patients on hemodialysis who have secondary hyperparathyroidism. In rats and rabbits given the drug during organogenesis, there was reduced fetal growth. In rats given the drug during organogenesis through birth and weaning, there was a slight increase in pup mortality, delay in parturition, and transient effects on pup growth, but there were no effects on sexual maturation, neurobehavioral, or reproductive function. Macimorelin (Macrilen) (MW 535) is an oral growth hormone secretagogue receptor agonist. It is indicated for adult growth hormone deficiency. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted.

Semaglutide (Ozempic) (MW 4,114), given subcutaneously, is a glucagon-like peptide indicated to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. In rats given the drug during organogenesis, embryo-fetal death, structural defects, and alterations in growth were observed. In rabbits and monkeys given the drug during organogenesis, there were early pregnancy losses and structural abnormalities. In addition, there was marked maternal body weight loss in both animal species. Vestronidase alfa-vjbk (Mepsevii) is given intravenously. It is indicated for the treatment of Mucopolysaccharidosis VII (Sly syndrome). The calculated average MW of each nonglycosylated peptide chain is 72,562. In rats and rabbits given the drug during organogenesis, there was no maternal toxicity or adverse developmental outcomes.

Gastrointestinal

Plecanatide (Trulance) (MW 1,682) is an oral drug indicated for the treatment of constipation. The drug and its active metabolite are negligibly absorbed systemically and fetal exposure to the drug is not expected. In mice and rabbits given the oral drug during organogenesis, no effects on embryo-fetal development were observed. Telotristat ethyl (Xermelo) (MW 754) is an oral drug indicated for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea in combination with somatostatin analog (MW not specified) therapy in adults not controlled by somatostatin analog. When given during organogenesis in rats, there was no effect on embryo-fetal development at doses that were about nine times the recommended human dose. However, an increased incidence of mortality in rat offspring was observed when the drug was given from organogenesis through lactation. During organogenesis in rabbits, the drug had no embryo-fetal effects at doses that were 10 or more times the human dose.

Hematologics

Betrixaban (Bevyxxa) (MW 568) is an oral factor Xa inhibitor indicated for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism. The drug was not associated with adverse developmental fetal outcomes in rats and rabbits. However, maternal hemorrhage did occur. In humans, there is an increased risk of hemorrhage during pregnancy and delivery. Emicizumab (Hemlibra) (MW 145,600), given subcutaneously, is indicated for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding in patients with hemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. It is a human monoclonal IgG antibody and, though the MW is high, IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta.

 

Immunologic

Sarilumab (Kevzara) (MW 150,000) is given subcutaneously. It is indicated for patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Reproduction studies were conducted in pregnant monkeys. There was no evidence of embryo toxicity or fetal malformations. Based on this data, the human pregnancy risk is low.

Ophthalmic

Latanoprostene bunod (Vyzulta) (MW 508) is a prostaglandin analog that is indicated to reduce intraocular pressure. No quantifiable plasma concentrations of latanoprostene bunod were detected in nonpregnant patients. However, very low levels of latanoprost acid (51-59 pg/mL), the active metabolite, were detected with the maximal plasma concentration occurring 5 minutes after administration. When given intravenously to pregnant rabbits, the drug was shown to be abortifacient and teratogenic, but these effects were not observed in pregnant rats. Netarsudil (Rhopressa) (MW 454) is a kinase inhibitor indicated to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. No quantifiable plasma concentrations of netarsudil were detected in 18 subjects. For the active metabolite, a plasma level of 0.11 ng/mL was found in one subject. Intravenous doses to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis did not cause embryo-fetal adverse effects at clinically relevant systemic exposures.

Parathyroid hormone

Abaloparatide (Tymlos) (MW 3,961), given subcutaneously, is a human parathyroid hormone related peptide analog that is indicated for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture. Reproduction studies in animals have not been conducted. Because of the indication, it is doubtful if the agent will be used in pregnancy or during breastfeeding.

Respiratory

Benralizumab (Fasenra) (MW 150,000), given subcutaneously, is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma. It is a human monoclonal IgG antibody and, though the MW is high, IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta. Studies in monkeys found no evidence of fetal harm with intravenous doses throughout pregnancy that produced exposures up to about 310 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose.

The potential adverse effects in an infant when the mother is taking one of the above drugs while breastfeeding will be covered in my next column.

Mr. Briggs is clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, as well as at Washington State University, Spokane. He coauthored “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation” and coedited “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He reported having no relevant financial disclosures.

Novel drugs are innovative new products that have never before been used in clinical practice. Among the 46 that the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2017, 45 could be used in pregnancy. One, cerliponase alfa (Brineura), is indicated for pediatric patients 3 years of age or older, for treatment of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2. It is doubtful that this drug would be used in pregnancy or during breastfeeding.

With the two exceptions noted below, there are no human pregnancy data for these drugs. It is important to consider that although high molecular weight (MW) drugs (for example, greater than 1,000) probably do not usually cross the placenta in the first half of pregnancy, they may do so in late pregnancy. The cited MWs are shown as the nearest whole number. Animal reproductive data are also cited because, although not definitive, they can provide some measure of the human embryo-fetal risk.
 

Anti-infectives

Benznidazole (same trade name) (MW 441), given orally, is indicated for pediatric patients aged 2-12 years for treatment of Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. However, there are international reports describing its use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. No fetal harm from these exposures were noted. Nevertheless, because of the low MW and the reported animal risk, avoiding the drug during the first half of pregnancy appears to be the best choice. Delafloxacin (Baxdela) (MW 441), a fluoroquinolone antimicrobial given intravenously or orally, is indicated for acute bacterial skin infections. The animal data suggest low risk. However, like other fluoroquinolones, it is contraindicated in pregnancy and should be used only if there are no other alternatives.

Antineoplastics

[Note: All of the drugs in this category are best avoided, if possible, in pregnancy and breastfeeding.]

Abemaciclib (Verzenio) (MW 507), an oral inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases, is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer. The drug is teratogenic in rats. Acalabrutinib (Calquence) (MW 466) is an oral kinase inhibitor indicated for mantle cell lymphoma. The drug had no effect on the rat embryo-fetus but caused decreased fetal body weights and delayed skeletal ossification in rabbits. Avelumab (Bavencio) (MW 147,000) is given intravenously for the treatment of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma and metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. However, based on its mechanism of action, fetal exposure may increase the risk of developing immune-related disorders or altering the normal immune response.

Brigatinib (Alunbrig) (MW 584) is given orally for the treatment of metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer. In rats, doses less than or slightly above the human exposure caused multiple anomalies in the fetuses of pregnant rats. Copanlisib (Aliqopa) (MW 553) is a kinase inhibitor that is given intravenously for relapsed follicular lymphoma. In rats during organogenesis, doses based on body surface area that were a fraction of the human dose caused embryo-fetal death and fetal defects. Durvalumab (Imfinzi) (MW 146,000), given intravenously, is indicated for the treatment of metastatic urothelial carcinoma and non–small-cell lung cancer. Monkeys given the drug from organogenesis through delivery experienced increased premature birth, fetal loss, and premature neonatal death. Women of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.

Enasidenib (Idhifa) (MW 569), given orally, is indicated for the treatment of myeloid leukemia. The drug caused maternal toxicity and adverse embryo-fetal effects (postimplantation loss, resorptions, decrease viable fetuses, lower fetal birth weights, and skeletal variations) in rats and spontaneous abortions in rabbits. Inotuzumab ozogamicin (Besponsa) (MW 160,000), given intravenously, is indicated for relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The drug caused fetal harm in rats but not in rabbits. Midostaurin (Rydapt) (MW 571) is an oral kinase inhibitor indicated for myeloid leukemia. In rats, a dose given during the first week of pregnancy that was a small fraction of the human exposure caused pre- and postimplantation loss. When very small doses were given during organogenesis to rats and rabbits there was significant maternal and fetal toxicity.

Neratinib (Nerlynx) (MW 673) is an oral kinase inhibitor for breast cancer. Although the drug did not cause embryo-fetal toxicity in rats, it did cause this toxicity in rabbits. Doses that resulted in exposures that were less than the human exposure caused maternal toxicity, abortions, and embryo-fetal death. Lower doses caused multiple fetal anomalies. Niraparib (Zejula) (MW 511) is indicated for treatment of epithelial ovarian, fallopian, or peritoneal cancer. Because of the potential human embryo-fetal risk based on its mechanism of action, pregnant animal studies were not conducted. Women with reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. Ribociclib (Kisqali) (MW 553) is an oral kinase inhibitor indicated for postmenopausal women with breast cancer. In rats, the drug cause reduced fetal weights and skeletal changes. Increased incidences of fetal abnormalities and lower fetal weights were observed in rabbits.
 

Cardiovascular

Angiotensin II (Giapreza) (MW 1,046) is a naturally occurring peptide hormone given as an intravenous infusion. It is indicated as a vasoconstrictor to increase blood pressure in adults with septic or other distributive shock. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Because septic or other distributive shock is a medical emergency that can be fatal, the use of this agent in pregnancy should not be withheld.

Central nervous system

Deutetrabenazine (Austedo) (MW 324) is an oral drug indicated for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington’s disease and for tardive dyskinesia. When given to rats during organogenesis there was no clear effect on embryo-fetal development.

Edaravone (Radicava) (MW 174), given as an intravenous infusion, is indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Doses that were not maternal toxic did not cause embryo-fetal toxicity in rats and rabbits. However, the no-effect dose for developmental toxicity was less than the recommended human dose. Naldemedine (Symproic) (MW 743) is an opioid antagonist indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation. The drug crosses the human placenta and may precipitate opioid withdrawal in the fetus. The drug caused no embryo-fetal adverse effects, even at high doses, in pregnant rats and rabbits.

Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) (MW 145,000), an intravenous agent, is used to treat patients with multiple sclerosis. The MW is high but immunoglobulins are known to cross the placenta. When given to monkeys at doses similar to or greater than the human dose, there was increased perinatal mortality, depletion of B-cell populations, and renal, bone marrow, and testicular toxicity in the offspring in the absence of maternal toxicity. Safinamide (Xadago) (MW 399) is an oral drug indicated as adjunctive treatment to levodopa/carbidopa in Parkinson’s disease. In rats, the drug was teratogenic (mainly urogenital defects) at all doses. When it was combined with levodopa/carbidopa or used alone, increased rates of fetal visceral and skeletal defects occurred at all doses studied. In rabbits, given the combination throughout organogenesis, there was an increased incidence of embryo-fetal death and cardiac and skeletal defects. Based on these data, avoiding the drug in pregnancy appears to be the best course.

Valbenazine (Ingrezza) (MW 419) is indicated for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. The drug caused no malformations in rats and rabbits. However, in rats given the drug during organogenesis through lactation, an increase in the number of stillborn pups and postnatal pup mortalities was observed.

Dermatologic

Brodalumab (Siliq) (MW 144,000), given subcutaneously, is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is a human monoclonal IgG antibody and, even though the MW is high, IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta. In monkeys, no drug-related effects on embryo-fetal toxicity or malformations, or on morphological, functional, or immunological development were observed in infants from mothers given weekly subcutaneous doses of the drug. Dupilumab (Dupixent) (MW 144,000) is given subcutaneously for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. It is a human monoclonal IgG antibody and, even though the MW is high, IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta. In pregnant monkeys given subcutaneous doses of the drug, no drug-related effects on embryo-fetal toxicity or malformations, or on morphological, functional, or immunological development were observed in infants from birth to 6 months of age.

Guselkumab (Tremfya) (MW 143,600) is given subcutaneously for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is a human monoclonal IgG antibody and, even though the MW is high, IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta. In pregnant monkeys given subcutaneous doses of the drug, no drug-related effects on embryo-fetal toxicity or malformations, or on morphological, functional, or immunological development were observed in infants from birth to 6 months of age. However, neonatal deaths were observed in three monkeys given six times the maximum recommended human dose.
 

Endocrine/metabolic

Deflazacort (Emflaza) (MW 442) is an oral corticosteroid prodrug indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The drug is converted in vivo to an active metabolite. The drug readily crosses the placenta. Although animal reproduction studies have not been conducted, such studies with other corticosteroids in various animal species have shown an increased incidence of cleft palate. In some species, there was an increase in embryo-fetal death, intrauterine growth restriction, and constriction of the ductus arteriosus.

Ertugliflozin (Steglatro) (MW 566) is an oral drug indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In juvenile rats, doses that were about 13 times the human dose caused increased kidney weight, renal tubule and renal pelvis dilatation, and renal mineralization. These effects occurred during periods of rat renal development that correspond to the late second and third trimester of human renal development, and did not fully reverse within a 1-month recovery period. Etelcalcetide (Parsabiv) (MW 1,048), an intravenous calcium-sensing receptor agonist, is indicated for patients on hemodialysis who have secondary hyperparathyroidism. In rats and rabbits given the drug during organogenesis, there was reduced fetal growth. In rats given the drug during organogenesis through birth and weaning, there was a slight increase in pup mortality, delay in parturition, and transient effects on pup growth, but there were no effects on sexual maturation, neurobehavioral, or reproductive function. Macimorelin (Macrilen) (MW 535) is an oral growth hormone secretagogue receptor agonist. It is indicated for adult growth hormone deficiency. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted.

Semaglutide (Ozempic) (MW 4,114), given subcutaneously, is a glucagon-like peptide indicated to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. In rats given the drug during organogenesis, embryo-fetal death, structural defects, and alterations in growth were observed. In rabbits and monkeys given the drug during organogenesis, there were early pregnancy losses and structural abnormalities. In addition, there was marked maternal body weight loss in both animal species. Vestronidase alfa-vjbk (Mepsevii) is given intravenously. It is indicated for the treatment of Mucopolysaccharidosis VII (Sly syndrome). The calculated average MW of each nonglycosylated peptide chain is 72,562. In rats and rabbits given the drug during organogenesis, there was no maternal toxicity or adverse developmental outcomes.

Gastrointestinal

Plecanatide (Trulance) (MW 1,682) is an oral drug indicated for the treatment of constipation. The drug and its active metabolite are negligibly absorbed systemically and fetal exposure to the drug is not expected. In mice and rabbits given the oral drug during organogenesis, no effects on embryo-fetal development were observed. Telotristat ethyl (Xermelo) (MW 754) is an oral drug indicated for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea in combination with somatostatin analog (MW not specified) therapy in adults not controlled by somatostatin analog. When given during organogenesis in rats, there was no effect on embryo-fetal development at doses that were about nine times the recommended human dose. However, an increased incidence of mortality in rat offspring was observed when the drug was given from organogenesis through lactation. During organogenesis in rabbits, the drug had no embryo-fetal effects at doses that were 10 or more times the human dose.

Hematologics

Betrixaban (Bevyxxa) (MW 568) is an oral factor Xa inhibitor indicated for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism. The drug was not associated with adverse developmental fetal outcomes in rats and rabbits. However, maternal hemorrhage did occur. In humans, there is an increased risk of hemorrhage during pregnancy and delivery. Emicizumab (Hemlibra) (MW 145,600), given subcutaneously, is indicated for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding in patients with hemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. It is a human monoclonal IgG antibody and, though the MW is high, IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta.

 

Immunologic

Sarilumab (Kevzara) (MW 150,000) is given subcutaneously. It is indicated for patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Reproduction studies were conducted in pregnant monkeys. There was no evidence of embryo toxicity or fetal malformations. Based on this data, the human pregnancy risk is low.

Ophthalmic

Latanoprostene bunod (Vyzulta) (MW 508) is a prostaglandin analog that is indicated to reduce intraocular pressure. No quantifiable plasma concentrations of latanoprostene bunod were detected in nonpregnant patients. However, very low levels of latanoprost acid (51-59 pg/mL), the active metabolite, were detected with the maximal plasma concentration occurring 5 minutes after administration. When given intravenously to pregnant rabbits, the drug was shown to be abortifacient and teratogenic, but these effects were not observed in pregnant rats. Netarsudil (Rhopressa) (MW 454) is a kinase inhibitor indicated to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. No quantifiable plasma concentrations of netarsudil were detected in 18 subjects. For the active metabolite, a plasma level of 0.11 ng/mL was found in one subject. Intravenous doses to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis did not cause embryo-fetal adverse effects at clinically relevant systemic exposures.

Parathyroid hormone

Abaloparatide (Tymlos) (MW 3,961), given subcutaneously, is a human parathyroid hormone related peptide analog that is indicated for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture. Reproduction studies in animals have not been conducted. Because of the indication, it is doubtful if the agent will be used in pregnancy or during breastfeeding.

Respiratory

Benralizumab (Fasenra) (MW 150,000), given subcutaneously, is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma. It is a human monoclonal IgG antibody and, though the MW is high, IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta. Studies in monkeys found no evidence of fetal harm with intravenous doses throughout pregnancy that produced exposures up to about 310 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose.

The potential adverse effects in an infant when the mother is taking one of the above drugs while breastfeeding will be covered in my next column.

Mr. Briggs is clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, as well as at Washington State University, Spokane. He coauthored “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation” and coedited “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He reported having no relevant financial disclosures.

There are currently 15 drugs indicated for adverse conditions of the urinary tract. The reported frequency of use in pregnancy and during breastfeeding for most of these agents is very low or completely absent.

The five subclasses of urinary tract agents are analgesics, antispasmodics, urinary acidifiers, urinary alkalinizers, and urinary germicides. With the exception of the three urinary germicides, anti-infectives are not covered in this column.

Analgesics

The analgesic subclass includes pentosan and phenazopyridine. Pentosan (Elmiron), a heparinlike compound, is an oral drug that is indicated for the relief of bladder pain or discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis. Systemic absorption is low, at about 6%. Because of the high molecular weight (4,000-6,000), it does not appear to cross the placenta, at least in the first half of pregnancy. A 1975 reference described its use in five women with preeclampsia. Each patient received 100 mg intramuscularly every 8 hours for about 5 days in the last weeks of pregnancy. No maternal benefit from the therapy was observed. There was apparently no fetal harm, but the neonatal outcomes were not described.

There are substantial – more than 900 – human pregnancy exposures in the first trimester with phenazopyridine. The exposures were not related to an increased risk of embryo-fetal harm and so use of the drug in pregnancy can be classified as compatible. However, the low molecular weight (about 214 for the free base) suggests that the drug will cross to the embryo and fetus.
 

Antispasmodics

The eight antispasmodics are darifenacin (Enablex), fesoterodine (Toviaz), flavoxate, mirabegron (Myrbetriq), oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), solifenacin (Vesicare), tolterodine (Detrol LA), and trospium.

These agents are indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency. The molecular weights range between 342 and 508, suggesting that all will cross the human placenta. There are no human pregnancy data for six of these agents and very limited data for flavoxate and oxybutynin. There is no evidence of embryo-fetal harm from these two drugs, but only one case involved exposure in the first trimester.

In seven of these drugs, the animal data suggested low risk. There was no embryo harm from doses that were equal to or less than 10 times the human dose based on body surface area (BSA) or area under the concentration curve (AUC). Solifenacin did cause embryo toxicity in pregnant mice. There was no embryo toxicity in pregnant rats and rabbits, but the maximum doses used were very low. Overall, the available data suggest that exposure to an antispasmodic in pregnancy is low risk for embryo, fetal, and newborn harm.
 

Urinary acidifiers

Ammonium chloride is a urinary acidifier as well as a respiratory expectorant. There is a large amount of data related to when the drug was used as an expectorant. There was no evidence that this use was associated with large categories of major or minor malformations. However, there were possible associations with three individual defects: inguinal hernia, cataract, and any benign tumor. No reports describing its use as a urinary acidifier have been located. When large amounts are consumed near term, the drug may cause acidosis in the mother and fetus. The molecular weight (about 53) suggests that it will cross the placenta.

Urinary alkalinizers

Potassium citrate (Urocit-K) is indicated for the management of renal tubular acidosis with calcium stones, hypocitraturic calcium oxalate with nephrolithiasis of any etiology, and uric acid lithiasis with or without calcium stones. The molecular weight (about 307) suggests it will cross the placenta. Only one case of its use in pregnancy has been located. The newborn had an unspecified defect but no other information was provided. The animal data in four species suggest low risk.

Urinary germicides

There are three urinary germicides: methenamine, methylene blue, and nitrofurantoin. Methenamine is available as methenamine mandelate (molecular weight abut 292) and methenamine hippurate (molecular weight about 319). Both are metabolized to formaldehyde (molecular weight about 30), the active agent. The molecular weights suggest that all will cross the placenta. The use of methenamine during pregnancy has been reported in more than 750 pregnancies. There have been no embryo or fetal adverse effects attributed to the drug.

The human data involving oral methylene blue, a weak urinary germicide, is limited to 55 exposures. There were three infants with birth defects (type not specified). Several reports have described the use of intra-amniotic injections to assist in the diagnosis of suspected membrane rupture. This use has resulted in newborns with hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia with or without Heinz body formation, blue staining of the skin, and methemoglobinemia. Fetal deaths have also been described. Recommendations to avoid the intra-amniotic use of methylene blue were issued more than 10 years ago. Moreover, the use of oral methylene blue as a urinary germicide is no longer recommended.

The low molecular weight (about 238) of nitrofurantoin suggests that it will cross the placenta. It is commonly used in pregnancy for the treatment or prophylaxis of urinary tract infections. The large amount of human data indicates that the risk of drug-induced birth defects is low. Several cohort studies have found no increased risk for birth defects. However, some case-control studies have found increased risks for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and oral clefts. A 2015 review concluded that this difference was due to the increased sensitivity of case-control studies to detect adverse effects (J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2015 Feb;37[2]:150-6).

Use of the drug close to term may cause hemolytic anemia in newborns who are glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient. Although rare, this may also occur in newborns who are not G6PD deficient. The best course is to avoid use of the drug close to delivery. As for use of the drug in the first trimester, ACOG’s Committee on Obstetric Practice stated in Committee Opinion No. 717 that nitrofurantoin was still thought to be appropriate when no other suitable alternative antibiotics were available (Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Sept;130[3]:666-7).
 

Breastfeeding

Except for methenamine and nitrofurantoin, there are no data related to the use of the urinary tract drugs during breastfeeding. Peak levels of methenamine occur at 1 hour, but no reports of adverse effects on nursing infants have been located. Several reports have described the use of nitrofurantoin during breastfeeding. Minor diarrhea was noted in two infants. However, breastfeeding an infant with G6PD deficiency could lead to hemolytic anemia.

Phenazopyridine should be used with caution especially for an infant younger than 1 month or with G6PD deficiency because of the risk for methemoglobinemia, sulfhemoglobinemia, and hemolytic anemia.

Although there have been no reports of the use of mirabegron during lactation, the characteristics of the drug – low molecular weight (about 397), long elimination half life (50 hours), and moderate plasma protein binding (about 71%) – suggest that the drug will be excreted into milk, potentially in clinically significant amounts. There is also concern with use of tolterodine (molecular weight about 476) because both the primary drug and its equipotent metabolite may be excreted into milk.
 

Mr. Briggs is a clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and an adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, as well as at Washington State University, Spokane. He coauthored “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation” and coedited “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He reported having no relevant financial disclosures.

There are currently 15 drugs indicated for adverse conditions of the urinary tract. The reported frequency of use in pregnancy and during breastfeeding for most of these agents is very low or completely absent.

The five subclasses of urinary tract agents are analgesics, antispasmodics, urinary acidifiers, urinary alkalinizers, and urinary germicides. With the exception of the three urinary germicides, anti-infectives are not covered in this column.

Analgesics

The analgesic subclass includes pentosan and phenazopyridine. Pentosan (Elmiron), a heparinlike compound, is an oral drug that is indicated for the relief of bladder pain or discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis. Systemic absorption is low, at about 6%. Because of the high molecular weight (4,000-6,000), it does not appear to cross the placenta, at least in the first half of pregnancy. A 1975 reference described its use in five women with preeclampsia. Each patient received 100 mg intramuscularly every 8 hours for about 5 days in the last weeks of pregnancy. No maternal benefit from the therapy was observed. There was apparently no fetal harm, but the neonatal outcomes were not described.

There are substantial – more than 900 – human pregnancy exposures in the first trimester with phenazopyridine. The exposures were not related to an increased risk of embryo-fetal harm and so use of the drug in pregnancy can be classified as compatible. However, the low molecular weight (about 214 for the free base) suggests that the drug will cross to the embryo and fetus.
 

Antispasmodics

The eight antispasmodics are darifenacin (Enablex), fesoterodine (Toviaz), flavoxate, mirabegron (Myrbetriq), oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), solifenacin (Vesicare), tolterodine (Detrol LA), and trospium.

These agents are indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency. The molecular weights range between 342 and 508, suggesting that all will cross the human placenta. There are no human pregnancy data for six of these agents and very limited data for flavoxate and oxybutynin. There is no evidence of embryo-fetal harm from these two drugs, but only one case involved exposure in the first trimester.

In seven of these drugs, the animal data suggested low risk. There was no embryo harm from doses that were equal to or less than 10 times the human dose based on body surface area (BSA) or area under the concentration curve (AUC). Solifenacin did cause embryo toxicity in pregnant mice. There was no embryo toxicity in pregnant rats and rabbits, but the maximum doses used were very low. Overall, the available data suggest that exposure to an antispasmodic in pregnancy is low risk for embryo, fetal, and newborn harm.
 

Urinary acidifiers

Ammonium chloride is a urinary acidifier as well as a respiratory expectorant. There is a large amount of data related to when the drug was used as an expectorant. There was no evidence that this use was associated with large categories of major or minor malformations. However, there were possible associations with three individual defects: inguinal hernia, cataract, and any benign tumor. No reports describing its use as a urinary acidifier have been located. When large amounts are consumed near term, the drug may cause acidosis in the mother and fetus. The molecular weight (about 53) suggests that it will cross the placenta.

Urinary alkalinizers

Potassium citrate (Urocit-K) is indicated for the management of renal tubular acidosis with calcium stones, hypocitraturic calcium oxalate with nephrolithiasis of any etiology, and uric acid lithiasis with or without calcium stones. The molecular weight (about 307) suggests it will cross the placenta. Only one case of its use in pregnancy has been located. The newborn had an unspecified defect but no other information was provided. The animal data in four species suggest low risk.

Urinary germicides

There are three urinary germicides: methenamine, methylene blue, and nitrofurantoin. Methenamine is available as methenamine mandelate (molecular weight abut 292) and methenamine hippurate (molecular weight about 319). Both are metabolized to formaldehyde (molecular weight about 30), the active agent. The molecular weights suggest that all will cross the placenta. The use of methenamine during pregnancy has been reported in more than 750 pregnancies. There have been no embryo or fetal adverse effects attributed to the drug.

The human data involving oral methylene blue, a weak urinary germicide, is limited to 55 exposures. There were three infants with birth defects (type not specified). Several reports have described the use of intra-amniotic injections to assist in the diagnosis of suspected membrane rupture. This use has resulted in newborns with hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia with or without Heinz body formation, blue staining of the skin, and methemoglobinemia. Fetal deaths have also been described. Recommendations to avoid the intra-amniotic use of methylene blue were issued more than 10 years ago. Moreover, the use of oral methylene blue as a urinary germicide is no longer recommended.

The low molecular weight (about 238) of nitrofurantoin suggests that it will cross the placenta. It is commonly used in pregnancy for the treatment or prophylaxis of urinary tract infections. The large amount of human data indicates that the risk of drug-induced birth defects is low. Several cohort studies have found no increased risk for birth defects. However, some case-control studies have found increased risks for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and oral clefts. A 2015 review concluded that this difference was due to the increased sensitivity of case-control studies to detect adverse effects (J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2015 Feb;37[2]:150-6).

Use of the drug close to term may cause hemolytic anemia in newborns who are glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient. Although rare, this may also occur in newborns who are not G6PD deficient. The best course is to avoid use of the drug close to delivery. As for use of the drug in the first trimester, ACOG’s Committee on Obstetric Practice stated in Committee Opinion No. 717 that nitrofurantoin was still thought to be appropriate when no other suitable alternative antibiotics were available (Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Sept;130[3]:666-7).
 

Breastfeeding

Except for methenamine and nitrofurantoin, there are no data related to the use of the urinary tract drugs during breastfeeding. Peak levels of methenamine occur at 1 hour, but no reports of adverse effects on nursing infants have been located. Several reports have described the use of nitrofurantoin during breastfeeding. Minor diarrhea was noted in two infants. However, breastfeeding an infant with G6PD deficiency could lead to hemolytic anemia.

Phenazopyridine should be used with caution especially for an infant younger than 1 month or with G6PD deficiency because of the risk for methemoglobinemia, sulfhemoglobinemia, and hemolytic anemia.

Although there have been no reports of the use of mirabegron during lactation, the characteristics of the drug – low molecular weight (about 397), long elimination half life (50 hours), and moderate plasma protein binding (about 71%) – suggest that the drug will be excreted into milk, potentially in clinically significant amounts. There is also concern with use of tolterodine (molecular weight about 476) because both the primary drug and its equipotent metabolite may be excreted into milk.
 

Mr. Briggs is a clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and an adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, as well as at Washington State University, Spokane. He coauthored “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation” and coedited “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He reported having no relevant financial disclosures.

There are currently 15 drugs indicated for adverse conditions of the urinary tract. The reported frequency of use in pregnancy and during breastfeeding for most of these agents is very low or completely absent.

The five subclasses of urinary tract agents are analgesics, antispasmodics, urinary acidifiers, urinary alkalinizers, and urinary germicides. With the exception of the three urinary germicides, anti-infectives are not covered in this column.

Analgesics

The analgesic subclass includes pentosan and phenazopyridine. Pentosan (Elmiron), a heparinlike compound, is an oral drug that is indicated for the relief of bladder pain or discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis. Systemic absorption is low, at about 6%. Because of the high molecular weight (4,000-6,000), it does not appear to cross the placenta, at least in the first half of pregnancy. A 1975 reference described its use in five women with preeclampsia. Each patient received 100 mg intramuscularly every 8 hours for about 5 days in the last weeks of pregnancy. No maternal benefit from the therapy was observed. There was apparently no fetal harm, but the neonatal outcomes were not described.

There are substantial – more than 900 – human pregnancy exposures in the first trimester with phenazopyridine. The exposures were not related to an increased risk of embryo-fetal harm and so use of the drug in pregnancy can be classified as compatible. However, the low molecular weight (about 214 for the free base) suggests that the drug will cross to the embryo and fetus.
 

Antispasmodics

The eight antispasmodics are darifenacin (Enablex), fesoterodine (Toviaz), flavoxate, mirabegron (Myrbetriq), oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), solifenacin (Vesicare), tolterodine (Detrol LA), and trospium.

These agents are indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency. The molecular weights range between 342 and 508, suggesting that all will cross the human placenta. There are no human pregnancy data for six of these agents and very limited data for flavoxate and oxybutynin. There is no evidence of embryo-fetal harm from these two drugs, but only one case involved exposure in the first trimester.

In seven of these drugs, the animal data suggested low risk. There was no embryo harm from doses that were equal to or less than 10 times the human dose based on body surface area (BSA) or area under the concentration curve (AUC). Solifenacin did cause embryo toxicity in pregnant mice. There was no embryo toxicity in pregnant rats and rabbits, but the maximum doses used were very low. Overall, the available data suggest that exposure to an antispasmodic in pregnancy is low risk for embryo, fetal, and newborn harm.
 

Urinary acidifiers

Ammonium chloride is a urinary acidifier as well as a respiratory expectorant. There is a large amount of data related to when the drug was used as an expectorant. There was no evidence that this use was associated with large categories of major or minor malformations. However, there were possible associations with three individual defects: inguinal hernia, cataract, and any benign tumor. No reports describing its use as a urinary acidifier have been located. When large amounts are consumed near term, the drug may cause acidosis in the mother and fetus. The molecular weight (about 53) suggests that it will cross the placenta.

Urinary alkalinizers

Potassium citrate (Urocit-K) is indicated for the management of renal tubular acidosis with calcium stones, hypocitraturic calcium oxalate with nephrolithiasis of any etiology, and uric acid lithiasis with or without calcium stones. The molecular weight (about 307) suggests it will cross the placenta. Only one case of its use in pregnancy has been located. The newborn had an unspecified defect but no other information was provided. The animal data in four species suggest low risk.

Urinary germicides

There are three urinary germicides: methenamine, methylene blue, and nitrofurantoin. Methenamine is available as methenamine mandelate (molecular weight abut 292) and methenamine hippurate (molecular weight about 319). Both are metabolized to formaldehyde (molecular weight about 30), the active agent. The molecular weights suggest that all will cross the placenta. The use of methenamine during pregnancy has been reported in more than 750 pregnancies. There have been no embryo or fetal adverse effects attributed to the drug.

The human data involving oral methylene blue, a weak urinary germicide, is limited to 55 exposures. There were three infants with birth defects (type not specified). Several reports have described the use of intra-amniotic injections to assist in the diagnosis of suspected membrane rupture. This use has resulted in newborns with hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia with or without Heinz body formation, blue staining of the skin, and methemoglobinemia. Fetal deaths have also been described. Recommendations to avoid the intra-amniotic use of methylene blue were issued more than 10 years ago. Moreover, the use of oral methylene blue as a urinary germicide is no longer recommended.

The low molecular weight (about 238) of nitrofurantoin suggests that it will cross the placenta. It is commonly used in pregnancy for the treatment or prophylaxis of urinary tract infections. The large amount of human data indicates that the risk of drug-induced birth defects is low. Several cohort studies have found no increased risk for birth defects. However, some case-control studies have found increased risks for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and oral clefts. A 2015 review concluded that this difference was due to the increased sensitivity of case-control studies to detect adverse effects (J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2015 Feb;37[2]:150-6).

Use of the drug close to term may cause hemolytic anemia in newborns who are glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient. Although rare, this may also occur in newborns who are not G6PD deficient. The best course is to avoid use of the drug close to delivery. As for use of the drug in the first trimester, ACOG’s Committee on Obstetric Practice stated in Committee Opinion No. 717 that nitrofurantoin was still thought to be appropriate when no other suitable alternative antibiotics were available (Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Sept;130[3]:666-7).
 

Breastfeeding

Except for methenamine and nitrofurantoin, there are no data related to the use of the urinary tract drugs during breastfeeding. Peak levels of methenamine occur at 1 hour, but no reports of adverse effects on nursing infants have been located. Several reports have described the use of nitrofurantoin during breastfeeding. Minor diarrhea was noted in two infants. However, breastfeeding an infant with G6PD deficiency could lead to hemolytic anemia.

Phenazopyridine should be used with caution especially for an infant younger than 1 month or with G6PD deficiency because of the risk for methemoglobinemia, sulfhemoglobinemia, and hemolytic anemia.

Although there have been no reports of the use of mirabegron during lactation, the characteristics of the drug – low molecular weight (about 397), long elimination half life (50 hours), and moderate plasma protein binding (about 71%) – suggest that the drug will be excreted into milk, potentially in clinically significant amounts. There is also concern with use of tolterodine (molecular weight about 476) because both the primary drug and its equipotent metabolite may be excreted into milk.
 

Mr. Briggs is a clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and an adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, as well as at Washington State University, Spokane. He coauthored “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation” and coedited “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He reported having no relevant financial disclosures.

The three most potent human teratogens, with the possible inclusion of some of the first antineoplastics, are isotretinoin, alcohol, and hyperglycemia.

As with all teratogens, the toxicity is dose related. For example, the risk of embryo-fetal harm from hyperglycemia increases markedly when the HbA_1c is greater than 8%. Moreover, diabetes accounts for more than 90% of the harm caused by chronic diseases. Consequently, control of glucose levels in pregnancy is critical.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors

The two agents is this subclass are acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset). The human pregnancy data with acarbose are limited, and no human pregnancy data have been found for miglitol. The animal data for both drugs suggest low risk.

Biguanides

There are substantial human pregnancy data for metformin in both type 2 and gestational diabetes. When combined with insulin, it is effective in significantly lowering the amount of insulin required to control hyperglycemia. It also may be effective when used alone. The risk of embryo-fetal harm with this drug appears to be very low or nonexistent. The animal data suggest low risk.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors

There are four drugs in this subclass: alogliptin (Nesina), linagliptin (Tradjenta), saxagliptin (Onglyza), and sitagliptin (Januvia). No reports of the use of the first three drugs in human pregnancy have been found. However, the Merck Pregnancy Registries (2006-2009) described the outcomes of eight women who were exposed to sitagliptin or sitagliptin/metformin in the first trimester. The outcomes of these pregnancies were five healthy newborns, two spontaneous abortions, and one fetal death at 34 weeks’ gestation. In that case, the mother took sitagliptin and metformin separately during the first 5 weeks of gestation. The animal data for all four drugs suggest low risk.

Meglitinides

Nateglinide (Starlix) and repaglinide (Prandin) are the agents in this subclass. There is no human pregnancy data for nateglinide, but there is limited data (eight pregnancies) for repaglinide. No birth defects or other toxicity was noted in these cases. The animal data suggest low risk.

Sulfonylureas

Six drugs are included in this subclass: chlorpropamide, glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide, tolazamide (Tolinase), and tolbutamide. These agents were among the first oral antidiabetic agents. As a result, they have the most human pregnancy data. Although birth defects were observed in newborns of mothers who had used one of these drugs, the defects were thought to be the result of uncontrolled diabetes. The animal data suggest low risk.

SGLT2 inhibitors

There are three drugs in this sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor subclass: canagliflozin (Invokana), dapagliflozin (Farxiga), and empagliflozin (Jardiance). No reports describing the use of these drugs in human pregnancy have been located. The animal data suggest low risk.

Thiazolidinediones

Pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia) form this subclass. There are limited human pregnancy data for both drugs. The animal data suggest moderate risk for embryo-fetal toxicity but not for structural defects.

Lactation

All of the above drugs will probably be excreted into breast milk, but the amounts are typically unknown. When they have been measured, the amounts were usually low. However, there is still a risk for hypoglycemia in a nursing infant. Combination products containing two antidiabetic agents are best avoided. The safest course is to use insulin, but, if this is not an option, then the lowest effective dose should be used. In addition, the infant’s blood glucose levels should be routinely monitored.

Mr. Briggs is a clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and an adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, as well as at Washington State University, Spokane. He coauthored “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation” and coedited “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He reported having no relevant financial disclosures.

The three most potent human teratogens, with the possible inclusion of some of the first antineoplastics, are isotretinoin, alcohol, and hyperglycemia.

As with all teratogens, the toxicity is dose related. For example, the risk of embryo-fetal harm from hyperglycemia increases markedly when the HbA_1c is greater than 8%. Moreover, diabetes accounts for more than 90% of the harm caused by chronic diseases. Consequently, control of glucose levels in pregnancy is critical.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors

The two agents is this subclass are acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset). The human pregnancy data with acarbose are limited, and no human pregnancy data have been found for miglitol. The animal data for both drugs suggest low risk.

Biguanides

There are substantial human pregnancy data for metformin in both type 2 and gestational diabetes. When combined with insulin, it is effective in significantly lowering the amount of insulin required to control hyperglycemia. It also may be effective when used alone. The risk of embryo-fetal harm with this drug appears to be very low or nonexistent. The animal data suggest low risk.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors

There are four drugs in this subclass: alogliptin (Nesina), linagliptin (Tradjenta), saxagliptin (Onglyza), and sitagliptin (Januvia). No reports of the use of the first three drugs in human pregnancy have been found. However, the Merck Pregnancy Registries (2006-2009) described the outcomes of eight women who were exposed to sitagliptin or sitagliptin/metformin in the first trimester. The outcomes of these pregnancies were five healthy newborns, two spontaneous abortions, and one fetal death at 34 weeks’ gestation. In that case, the mother took sitagliptin and metformin separately during the first 5 weeks of gestation. The animal data for all four drugs suggest low risk.

Meglitinides

Nateglinide (Starlix) and repaglinide (Prandin) are the agents in this subclass. There is no human pregnancy data for nateglinide, but there is limited data (eight pregnancies) for repaglinide. No birth defects or other toxicity was noted in these cases. The animal data suggest low risk.

Sulfonylureas

Six drugs are included in this subclass: chlorpropamide, glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide, tolazamide (Tolinase), and tolbutamide. These agents were among the first oral antidiabetic agents. As a result, they have the most human pregnancy data. Although birth defects were observed in newborns of mothers who had used one of these drugs, the defects were thought to be the result of uncontrolled diabetes. The animal data suggest low risk.

SGLT2 inhibitors

There are three drugs in this sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor subclass: canagliflozin (Invokana), dapagliflozin (Farxiga), and empagliflozin (Jardiance). No reports describing the use of these drugs in human pregnancy have been located. The animal data suggest low risk.

Thiazolidinediones

Pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia) form this subclass. There are limited human pregnancy data for both drugs. The animal data suggest moderate risk for embryo-fetal toxicity but not for structural defects.

Lactation

All of the above drugs will probably be excreted into breast milk, but the amounts are typically unknown. When they have been measured, the amounts were usually low. However, there is still a risk for hypoglycemia in a nursing infant. Combination products containing two antidiabetic agents are best avoided. The safest course is to use insulin, but, if this is not an option, then the lowest effective dose should be used. In addition, the infant’s blood glucose levels should be routinely monitored.

Mr. Briggs is a clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and an adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, as well as at Washington State University, Spokane. He coauthored “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation” and coedited “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He reported having no relevant financial disclosures.

The three most potent human teratogens, with the possible inclusion of some of the first antineoplastics, are isotretinoin, alcohol, and hyperglycemia.

As with all teratogens, the toxicity is dose related. For example, the risk of embryo-fetal harm from hyperglycemia increases markedly when the HbA_1c is greater than 8%. Moreover, diabetes accounts for more than 90% of the harm caused by chronic diseases. Consequently, control of glucose levels in pregnancy is critical.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors

The two agents is this subclass are acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset). The human pregnancy data with acarbose are limited, and no human pregnancy data have been found for miglitol. The animal data for both drugs suggest low risk.

Biguanides

There are substantial human pregnancy data for metformin in both type 2 and gestational diabetes. When combined with insulin, it is effective in significantly lowering the amount of insulin required to control hyperglycemia. It also may be effective when used alone. The risk of embryo-fetal harm with this drug appears to be very low or nonexistent. The animal data suggest low risk.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors

There are four drugs in this subclass: alogliptin (Nesina), linagliptin (Tradjenta), saxagliptin (Onglyza), and sitagliptin (Januvia). No reports of the use of the first three drugs in human pregnancy have been found. However, the Merck Pregnancy Registries (2006-2009) described the outcomes of eight women who were exposed to sitagliptin or sitagliptin/metformin in the first trimester. The outcomes of these pregnancies were five healthy newborns, two spontaneous abortions, and one fetal death at 34 weeks’ gestation. In that case, the mother took sitagliptin and metformin separately during the first 5 weeks of gestation. The animal data for all four drugs suggest low risk.

Meglitinides

Nateglinide (Starlix) and repaglinide (Prandin) are the agents in this subclass. There is no human pregnancy data for nateglinide, but there is limited data (eight pregnancies) for repaglinide. No birth defects or other toxicity was noted in these cases. The animal data suggest low risk.

Sulfonylureas

Six drugs are included in this subclass: chlorpropamide, glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide, tolazamide (Tolinase), and tolbutamide. These agents were among the first oral antidiabetic agents. As a result, they have the most human pregnancy data. Although birth defects were observed in newborns of mothers who had used one of these drugs, the defects were thought to be the result of uncontrolled diabetes. The animal data suggest low risk.

SGLT2 inhibitors

There are three drugs in this sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor subclass: canagliflozin (Invokana), dapagliflozin (Farxiga), and empagliflozin (Jardiance). No reports describing the use of these drugs in human pregnancy have been located. The animal data suggest low risk.

Thiazolidinediones

Pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia) form this subclass. There are limited human pregnancy data for both drugs. The animal data suggest moderate risk for embryo-fetal toxicity but not for structural defects.

Lactation

All of the above drugs will probably be excreted into breast milk, but the amounts are typically unknown. When they have been measured, the amounts were usually low. However, there is still a risk for hypoglycemia in a nursing infant. Combination products containing two antidiabetic agents are best avoided. The safest course is to use insulin, but, if this is not an option, then the lowest effective dose should be used. In addition, the infant’s blood glucose levels should be routinely monitored.

Mr. Briggs is a clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and an adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, as well as at Washington State University, Spokane. He coauthored “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation” and coedited “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He reported having no relevant financial disclosures.

The Food and Drug Administration approved 22 new drug products in 12 pharmacologic classes in 2016. Additionally, daclizumab (Zenapax), which was approved several years ago for prophylaxis of acute organ rejection in patients receiving renal transplants, was approved for multiple sclerosis treatment (Zinbryta) last year, and sofosbuvir (Sovaldi), which was approved in 2013 for the treatment of hepatitis C virus, is now combined with velpatasvir (Epclusa) to treat all six major forms of hepatitis C.

There are 22 drugs that can be considered novel drugs. As defined by the FDA, novel drugs have never been approved for human use. There are no human pregnancy data for any of the newly approved drugs or drug combinations. As such, it is important to consider that high molecular weight drugs that probably do not cross the placenta in the first half of pregnancy may do so in late pregnancy.

Antineoplastics

Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) is a programmed death ligand–blocking antibody that is indicated for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma and metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer following platinum-containing chemotherapy. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted, but, based on its mechanism of action, fetal exposure may increase the risk of developing immune-mediated disorders or altering the normal immune response. The molecular weight is high (145,000) and the terminal half-life is long (27 days).

Olaratumab (Lartruvo) is a platelet-derived growth factor receptor– alpha-blocking antibody. It is indicated, in combination with doxorubicin, for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma. Although the estimated elimination half-life is long (about 11 days with a range of 6-24 days), the high molecular weight (about 154,000) should limit fetal exposure, at least in the first half of pregnancy. The drug should be avoided in pregnancy, however, based on the animal data, the mechanism of action, and its combination with doxorubicin.

Rucaparib (Rubraca) is a poly (adenosine diphosphate–ribose) polymerase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of ovarian cancer. The drug could cause human fetal harm based on the animal data, mechanism of action, relatively low molecular weight (about 556), and terminal half-life (17 hours).

Venetoclax (Venclexta) is a B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitor indicated for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Although the animal data, molecular weight (about 868), and elimination half-life (about 26 hours) suggest embryo-fetal risk, the high plasma protein binding (99.9%) should limit the amount crossing the placenta.

Anti-infectives

There are two new monoclonal antibodies in this class. Bezlotoxumab (Zinplava) is used to reduce recurrence of Clostridium difficile. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. As the molecular weight is about 148,000, the drug will not cross the placenta, at least not in the first half of pregnancy. However, the drug has a long elimination half-life (about 19 days), so, depending on when it was given, it could cross in late pregnancy. Obiltoxaximab (Anthim), administered as a single IV dose, is indicated for the treatment of inhaled anthrax due to Bacillus anthracis. No fetal harm was observed in animal reproduction studies. The high molecular weight (about 148,000) suggests that the drug will not cross to the embryo and/or fetus, at least not in the first part of pregnancy.

Elbasvir/Grazoprevir (Zepatier) is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 or 4. Animal reproduction studies found no evidence of adverse developmental outcomes. The molecular weights of the two components are about 882 and 767, respectively. Both are extensively bound to plasma proteins, 99.9% and 98.8%, respectively, and the terminal half-lives are 24 and 31 hours. Thus, the product appears to be low risk if used in human pregnancy. However, it is contraindicated if given with ribavirin.

moodboard/Thinkstock

Central nervous system agents

Brivaracetam (Briviact) is an anticonvulsant used to treat partial-onset seizures. Animal reproduction studies suggest moderate risk. The molecular weight (about 212), low plasma protein binding (less than or equal to 20%), and terminal plasma half-life of about 9 hours suggest that the drug will cross the placenta. The manufacturer recommends that the drug should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the embryo/fetus.

Pimavanserin (Nuplazid) is an atypical antipsychotic indicated for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis. Reproduction studies in animals suggest low risk. The molecular weight of the free base (about 428) and the long mean plasma half-lives of the parent drug and active metabolite (57 and 200 hours) suggest that the drug will cross the placenta. However, the high plasma protein binding (about 95%) may limit the exposure. Nevertheless, avoiding the period of organogenesis appears to be best.

Dermatologic agents

Crisaborole (Eucrisa) is indicated for topical treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. In 33 pediatric subjects (aged 2-17 years) who applied the ointment twice daily for 8 days, low amounts were absorbed systemically with plasma concentrations in the nanogram/milliliter range. Plasma protein binding was 97%. With oral formulations of the drug, animal reproduction studies suggest low risk. Taken in sum, the human pregnancy risk appears to be low.

Ixekizumab (Taltz) is a humanized interleukin-17A antagonist, administered subcutaneously, that is indicated for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The drug did not cause developmental toxicity in monkeys. The molecular weight for the drug’s protein backbone is 146,158, and the mean elimination half-life was 13 days. The human embryo-fetal risk in the first half of pregnancy appears to be low.

Diagnostic agents

Fluciclovine F 18 (Axumin) is a radioactive diagnostic agent indicated for positron emission tomography imaging in men with suspected prostate cancer. Since the agent is only used in men, there are no human or animal pregnancy data.

Gallium GA 68 dotatate injection, a diagnostic imaging agent to detect rare neuroendocrine tumors, is not yet on the market.

Endocrine/metabolic agents

Lixisenatide (Adlyxin) is a glucagon-like–peptide-1 receptor agonist that is administered subcutaneously. It is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. The drug was teratogenic in two animal species. The molecular weight is about 4,859, and the mean terminal half-life was about 3 hours. Since tight control of glucose levels in type 2 diabetes is required during pregnancy, insulin is the treatment of choice. Consequently, lixisenatide should not be used during pregnancy.

Gastrointestinal agents

Obeticholic acid (Ocaliva) is a farnesoid X receptor agonist that is given orally for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis, in combination with ursodiol, or ursodeoxycholic acid. I have classified ursodiol as compatible in pregnancy in the 10th edition of “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation” (2011: Wolters Kluwer Health). The animal reproduction data for both drugs suggest low risk. Based on the molecular weight of obeticholic (about 421), the drug will probably cross to the embryo/fetus, but the high plasma protein binding (greater than 99%) may limit exposure. The elimination half-life is apparently unknown.

Hematologic agents

Defibrotide sodium (Defitelio), given as an intravenous infusion, is an oligonucleotide mixture. It is indicated for the treatment of hepatic veno-occlusive disease, also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, with renal or pulmonary dysfunction following hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Animal reproduction studies in two species suggest risk. The mean molecular weight is 13,000-20,000. Plasma protein binding is an average 93%, and the elimination half-life is less than 2 hours. It is doubtful if the drug crosses the placenta, especially in the first half of pregnancy. If possible, avoid the drug in the second half of pregnancy.

Immunologics

Two indications have been approved for daclizumab. The first was in 2005 for the prophylaxis of acute organ rejection of renal transplants (Zenapax), and the second was in 2016 for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (Zinbryta). Reproduction studies in monkeys with Zinbryta can be classified as low risk. The molecular weight (about 144,000) suggests that the drug will not cross the placenta, at least in the first half of pregnancy. However, depending on when the drug is given, the long elimination half-life of 21 days might allow the drug to cross in late pregnancy. Regardless, if the perceived maternal benefit exceeds the potential embryo-fetal risk, the drug should not be withheld because of pregnancy.

Muscular disorder agents

Eteplirsen (Exondys 51) is an antisense oligonucleotide that is given intravenously. It is indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in patients who have a confirmed mutation of the related gene, which is amenable to exon 51 skipping. There are no animal reproduction data. The molecular weight is about 10,306. This suggests that the drug will not cross the placenta, at least in the first half of pregnancy. The elimination half-life is 3-4 hours, and the plasma concentration 24 hours after a dose was 0.07% of the peak plasma concentration. The drug is given once weekly, and waiting for 24 hours or slightly longer after a dose should reduce the exposure, if any, of the embryo-fetus during the first half of pregnancy.

Nusinersen (Spinraza), a survival motor neuron 2 directed–antisense oligonucleotide, is given as an intrathecal dose. It is indicated for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. Subcutaneous doses in two animal species caused no developmental toxicity. The molecular weight of 7,501 suggests that the drug will not cross the human placenta, at least not in the first half of pregnancy. The mean terminal elimination half-life in cerebrospinal fluid was 135-177 days and 63-87 days in plasma.

Ophthalmic agents

Lifitegrast (Xiidra) is an ophthalmic solution of a lymphocyte function-associated–antigen-1 antagonist. It is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. The animal reproduction data suggest low risk. The molecular weight is about 616, suggesting that the drug would cross the placenta. However, in a Phase III trial conducted before FDA approval, 47 patients with dry eye disease were given 1 drop twice daily for periods up to 360 days. Nine patients (19%) had plasma predose (trough) concentrations above 0.5 ng/mL, the lower limit of quantitation. Trough plasma concentrations in these patients ranged from 0.55 ng/mL to 3.74 ng/mL. These amounts do not appear to represent an embryo-fetal risk.

Respiratory agents

Reslizumab (Cinqair), an interleukin-5 antagonist monoclonal antibody, is given intravenously. It is indicated for add-on maintenance treatment of severe asthma in patients with an eosinophilic phenotype. Animal data in two species suggest low risk. The molecular weight is about 147,000, and the elimination half-life is about 24 days. This suggests that exposure of the embryo and fetus will be minimal, at least in the first half of pregnancy. The maternal benefit appears to outweigh the unknown embryo-fetal risk.

Lactation

None of the above drugs have been studied during breastfeeding. Many drugs, regardless of their molecular weight, will cross into milk in small amounts during the first postpartum week. The effects of this exposure on a nursing infant are unknown. Based on the potential for nursing infant harm, the drugs that probably should not be given during breastfeeding include the four antineoplastics, the atypical antipsychotic pimavanserin, and the diabetes injection lixisenatide.

Mr. Briggs is a clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and an adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and at Washington State University, Spokane. He coauthored “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation,” and coedited “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He reported having no relevant financial disclosures.

The Food and Drug Administration approved 22 new drug products in 12 pharmacologic classes in 2016. Additionally, daclizumab (Zenapax), which was approved several years ago for prophylaxis of acute organ rejection in patients receiving renal transplants, was approved for multiple sclerosis treatment (Zinbryta) last year, and sofosbuvir (Sovaldi), which was approved in 2013 for the treatment of hepatitis C virus, is now combined with velpatasvir (Epclusa) to treat all six major forms of hepatitis C.

There are 22 drugs that can be considered novel drugs. As defined by the FDA, novel drugs have never been approved for human use. There are no human pregnancy data for any of the newly approved drugs or drug combinations. As such, it is important to consider that high molecular weight drugs that probably do not cross the placenta in the first half of pregnancy may do so in late pregnancy.

Antineoplastics

Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) is a programmed death ligand–blocking antibody that is indicated for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma and metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer following platinum-containing chemotherapy. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted, but, based on its mechanism of action, fetal exposure may increase the risk of developing immune-mediated disorders or altering the normal immune response. The molecular weight is high (145,000) and the terminal half-life is long (27 days).

Olaratumab (Lartruvo) is a platelet-derived growth factor receptor– alpha-blocking antibody. It is indicated, in combination with doxorubicin, for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma. Although the estimated elimination half-life is long (about 11 days with a range of 6-24 days), the high molecular weight (about 154,000) should limit fetal exposure, at least in the first half of pregnancy. The drug should be avoided in pregnancy, however, based on the animal data, the mechanism of action, and its combination with doxorubicin.

Rucaparib (Rubraca) is a poly (adenosine diphosphate–ribose) polymerase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of ovarian cancer. The drug could cause human fetal harm based on the animal data, mechanism of action, relatively low molecular weight (about 556), and terminal half-life (17 hours).

Venetoclax (Venclexta) is a B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitor indicated for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Although the animal data, molecular weight (about 868), and elimination half-life (about 26 hours) suggest embryo-fetal risk, the high plasma protein binding (99.9%) should limit the amount crossing the placenta.

Anti-infectives

There are two new monoclonal antibodies in this class. Bezlotoxumab (Zinplava) is used to reduce recurrence of Clostridium difficile. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. As the molecular weight is about 148,000, the drug will not cross the placenta, at least not in the first half of pregnancy. However, the drug has a long elimination half-life (about 19 days), so, depending on when it was given, it could cross in late pregnancy. Obiltoxaximab (Anthim), administered as a single IV dose, is indicated for the treatment of inhaled anthrax due to Bacillus anthracis. No fetal harm was observed in animal reproduction studies. The high molecular weight (about 148,000) suggests that the drug will not cross to the embryo and/or fetus, at least not in the first part of pregnancy.

Elbasvir/Grazoprevir (Zepatier) is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 or 4. Animal reproduction studies found no evidence of adverse developmental outcomes. The molecular weights of the two components are about 882 and 767, respectively. Both are extensively bound to plasma proteins, 99.9% and 98.8%, respectively, and the terminal half-lives are 24 and 31 hours. Thus, the product appears to be low risk if used in human pregnancy. However, it is contraindicated if given with ribavirin.

moodboard/Thinkstock

Central nervous system agents

Brivaracetam (Briviact) is an anticonvulsant used to treat partial-onset seizures. Animal reproduction studies suggest moderate risk. The molecular weight (about 212), low plasma protein binding (less than or equal to 20%), and terminal plasma half-life of about 9 hours suggest that the drug will cross the placenta. The manufacturer recommends that the drug should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the embryo/fetus.

Pimavanserin (Nuplazid) is an atypical antipsychotic indicated for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis. Reproduction studies in animals suggest low risk. The molecular weight of the free base (about 428) and the long mean plasma half-lives of the parent drug and active metabolite (57 and 200 hours) suggest that the drug will cross the placenta. However, the high plasma protein binding (about 95%) may limit the exposure. Nevertheless, avoiding the period of organogenesis appears to be best.

Dermatologic agents

Crisaborole (Eucrisa) is indicated for topical treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. In 33 pediatric subjects (aged 2-17 years) who applied the ointment twice daily for 8 days, low amounts were absorbed systemically with plasma concentrations in the nanogram/milliliter range. Plasma protein binding was 97%. With oral formulations of the drug, animal reproduction studies suggest low risk. Taken in sum, the human pregnancy risk appears to be low.

Ixekizumab (Taltz) is a humanized interleukin-17A antagonist, administered subcutaneously, that is indicated for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The drug did not cause developmental toxicity in monkeys. The molecular weight for the drug’s protein backbone is 146,158, and the mean elimination half-life was 13 days. The human embryo-fetal risk in the first half of pregnancy appears to be low.

Diagnostic agents

Fluciclovine F 18 (Axumin) is a radioactive diagnostic agent indicated for positron emission tomography imaging in men with suspected prostate cancer. Since the agent is only used in men, there are no human or animal pregnancy data.

Gallium GA 68 dotatate injection, a diagnostic imaging agent to detect rare neuroendocrine tumors, is not yet on the market.

Endocrine/metabolic agents

Lixisenatide (Adlyxin) is a glucagon-like–peptide-1 receptor agonist that is administered subcutaneously. It is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. The drug was teratogenic in two animal species. The molecular weight is about 4,859, and the mean terminal half-life was about 3 hours. Since tight control of glucose levels in type 2 diabetes is required during pregnancy, insulin is the treatment of choice. Consequently, lixisenatide should not be used during pregnancy.

Gastrointestinal agents

Obeticholic acid (Ocaliva) is a farnesoid X receptor agonist that is given orally for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis, in combination with ursodiol, or ursodeoxycholic acid. I have classified ursodiol as compatible in pregnancy in the 10th edition of “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation” (2011: Wolters Kluwer Health). The animal reproduction data for both drugs suggest low risk. Based on the molecular weight of obeticholic (about 421), the drug will probably cross to the embryo/fetus, but the high plasma protein binding (greater than 99%) may limit exposure. The elimination half-life is apparently unknown.

Hematologic agents

Defibrotide sodium (Defitelio), given as an intravenous infusion, is an oligonucleotide mixture. It is indicated for the treatment of hepatic veno-occlusive disease, also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, with renal or pulmonary dysfunction following hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Animal reproduction studies in two species suggest risk. The mean molecular weight is 13,000-20,000. Plasma protein binding is an average 93%, and the elimination half-life is less than 2 hours. It is doubtful if the drug crosses the placenta, especially in the first half of pregnancy. If possible, avoid the drug in the second half of pregnancy.

Immunologics

Two indications have been approved for daclizumab. The first was in 2005 for the prophylaxis of acute organ rejection of renal transplants (Zenapax), and the second was in 2016 for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (Zinbryta). Reproduction studies in monkeys with Zinbryta can be classified as low risk. The molecular weight (about 144,000) suggests that the drug will not cross the placenta, at least in the first half of pregnancy. However, depending on when the drug is given, the long elimination half-life of 21 days might allow the drug to cross in late pregnancy. Regardless, if the perceived maternal benefit exceeds the potential embryo-fetal risk, the drug should not be withheld because of pregnancy.

Muscular disorder agents

Eteplirsen (Exondys 51) is an antisense oligonucleotide that is given intravenously. It is indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in patients who have a confirmed mutation of the related gene, which is amenable to exon 51 skipping. There are no animal reproduction data. The molecular weight is about 10,306. This suggests that the drug will not cross the placenta, at least in the first half of pregnancy. The elimination half-life is 3-4 hours, and the plasma concentration 24 hours after a dose was 0.07% of the peak plasma concentration. The drug is given once weekly, and waiting for 24 hours or slightly longer after a dose should reduce the exposure, if any, of the embryo-fetus during the first half of pregnancy.

Nusinersen (Spinraza), a survival motor neuron 2 directed–antisense oligonucleotide, is given as an intrathecal dose. It is indicated for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. Subcutaneous doses in two animal species caused no developmental toxicity. The molecular weight of 7,501 suggests that the drug will not cross the human placenta, at least not in the first half of pregnancy. The mean terminal elimination half-life in cerebrospinal fluid was 135-177 days and 63-87 days in plasma.

Ophthalmic agents

Lifitegrast (Xiidra) is an ophthalmic solution of a lymphocyte function-associated–antigen-1 antagonist. It is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. The animal reproduction data suggest low risk. The molecular weight is about 616, suggesting that the drug would cross the placenta. However, in a Phase III trial conducted before FDA approval, 47 patients with dry eye disease were given 1 drop twice daily for periods up to 360 days. Nine patients (19%) had plasma predose (trough) concentrations above 0.5 ng/mL, the lower limit of quantitation. Trough plasma concentrations in these patients ranged from 0.55 ng/mL to 3.74 ng/mL. These amounts do not appear to represent an embryo-fetal risk.

Respiratory agents

Reslizumab (Cinqair), an interleukin-5 antagonist monoclonal antibody, is given intravenously. It is indicated for add-on maintenance treatment of severe asthma in patients with an eosinophilic phenotype. Animal data in two species suggest low risk. The molecular weight is about 147,000, and the elimination half-life is about 24 days. This suggests that exposure of the embryo and fetus will be minimal, at least in the first half of pregnancy. The maternal benefit appears to outweigh the unknown embryo-fetal risk.

Lactation

None of the above drugs have been studied during breastfeeding. Many drugs, regardless of their molecular weight, will cross into milk in small amounts during the first postpartum week. The effects of this exposure on a nursing infant are unknown. Based on the potential for nursing infant harm, the drugs that probably should not be given during breastfeeding include the four antineoplastics, the atypical antipsychotic pimavanserin, and the diabetes injection lixisenatide.

Mr. Briggs is a clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and an adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and at Washington State University, Spokane. He coauthored “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation,” and coedited “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He reported having no relevant financial disclosures.

The Food and Drug Administration approved 22 new drug products in 12 pharmacologic classes in 2016. Additionally, daclizumab (Zenapax), which was approved several years ago for prophylaxis of acute organ rejection in patients receiving renal transplants, was approved for multiple sclerosis treatment (Zinbryta) last year, and sofosbuvir (Sovaldi), which was approved in 2013 for the treatment of hepatitis C virus, is now combined with velpatasvir (Epclusa) to treat all six major forms of hepatitis C.

There are 22 drugs that can be considered novel drugs. As defined by the FDA, novel drugs have never been approved for human use. There are no human pregnancy data for any of the newly approved drugs or drug combinations. As such, it is important to consider that high molecular weight drugs that probably do not cross the placenta in the first half of pregnancy may do so in late pregnancy.

Antineoplastics

Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) is a programmed death ligand–blocking antibody that is indicated for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma and metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer following platinum-containing chemotherapy. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted, but, based on its mechanism of action, fetal exposure may increase the risk of developing immune-mediated disorders or altering the normal immune response. The molecular weight is high (145,000) and the terminal half-life is long (27 days).

Olaratumab (Lartruvo) is a platelet-derived growth factor receptor– alpha-blocking antibody. It is indicated, in combination with doxorubicin, for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma. Although the estimated elimination half-life is long (about 11 days with a range of 6-24 days), the high molecular weight (about 154,000) should limit fetal exposure, at least in the first half of pregnancy. The drug should be avoided in pregnancy, however, based on the animal data, the mechanism of action, and its combination with doxorubicin.

Rucaparib (Rubraca) is a poly (adenosine diphosphate–ribose) polymerase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of ovarian cancer. The drug could cause human fetal harm based on the animal data, mechanism of action, relatively low molecular weight (about 556), and terminal half-life (17 hours).

Venetoclax (Venclexta) is a B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitor indicated for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Although the animal data, molecular weight (about 868), and elimination half-life (about 26 hours) suggest embryo-fetal risk, the high plasma protein binding (99.9%) should limit the amount crossing the placenta.

Anti-infectives

There are two new monoclonal antibodies in this class. Bezlotoxumab (Zinplava) is used to reduce recurrence of Clostridium difficile. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. As the molecular weight is about 148,000, the drug will not cross the placenta, at least not in the first half of pregnancy. However, the drug has a long elimination half-life (about 19 days), so, depending on when it was given, it could cross in late pregnancy. Obiltoxaximab (Anthim), administered as a single IV dose, is indicated for the treatment of inhaled anthrax due to Bacillus anthracis. No fetal harm was observed in animal reproduction studies. The high molecular weight (about 148,000) suggests that the drug will not cross to the embryo and/or fetus, at least not in the first part of pregnancy.

Elbasvir/Grazoprevir (Zepatier) is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 or 4. Animal reproduction studies found no evidence of adverse developmental outcomes. The molecular weights of the two components are about 882 and 767, respectively. Both are extensively bound to plasma proteins, 99.9% and 98.8%, respectively, and the terminal half-lives are 24 and 31 hours. Thus, the product appears to be low risk if used in human pregnancy. However, it is contraindicated if given with ribavirin.

moodboard/Thinkstock

Central nervous system agents

Brivaracetam (Briviact) is an anticonvulsant used to treat partial-onset seizures. Animal reproduction studies suggest moderate risk. The molecular weight (about 212), low plasma protein binding (less than or equal to 20%), and terminal plasma half-life of about 9 hours suggest that the drug will cross the placenta. The manufacturer recommends that the drug should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the embryo/fetus.

Pimavanserin (Nuplazid) is an atypical antipsychotic indicated for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis. Reproduction studies in animals suggest low risk. The molecular weight of the free base (about 428) and the long mean plasma half-lives of the parent drug and active metabolite (57 and 200 hours) suggest that the drug will cross the placenta. However, the high plasma protein binding (about 95%) may limit the exposure. Nevertheless, avoiding the period of organogenesis appears to be best.

Dermatologic agents

Crisaborole (Eucrisa) is indicated for topical treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. In 33 pediatric subjects (aged 2-17 years) who applied the ointment twice daily for 8 days, low amounts were absorbed systemically with plasma concentrations in the nanogram/milliliter range. Plasma protein binding was 97%. With oral formulations of the drug, animal reproduction studies suggest low risk. Taken in sum, the human pregnancy risk appears to be low.

Ixekizumab (Taltz) is a humanized interleukin-17A antagonist, administered subcutaneously, that is indicated for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The drug did not cause developmental toxicity in monkeys. The molecular weight for the drug’s protein backbone is 146,158, and the mean elimination half-life was 13 days. The human embryo-fetal risk in the first half of pregnancy appears to be low.

Diagnostic agents

Fluciclovine F 18 (Axumin) is a radioactive diagnostic agent indicated for positron emission tomography imaging in men with suspected prostate cancer. Since the agent is only used in men, there are no human or animal pregnancy data.

Gallium GA 68 dotatate injection, a diagnostic imaging agent to detect rare neuroendocrine tumors, is not yet on the market.

Endocrine/metabolic agents

Lixisenatide (Adlyxin) is a glucagon-like–peptide-1 receptor agonist that is administered subcutaneously. It is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. The drug was teratogenic in two animal species. The molecular weight is about 4,859, and the mean terminal half-life was about 3 hours. Since tight control of glucose levels in type 2 diabetes is required during pregnancy, insulin is the treatment of choice. Consequently, lixisenatide should not be used during pregnancy.

Gastrointestinal agents

Obeticholic acid (Ocaliva) is a farnesoid X receptor agonist that is given orally for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis, in combination with ursodiol, or ursodeoxycholic acid. I have classified ursodiol as compatible in pregnancy in the 10th edition of “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation” (2011: Wolters Kluwer Health). The animal reproduction data for both drugs suggest low risk. Based on the molecular weight of obeticholic (about 421), the drug will probably cross to the embryo/fetus, but the high plasma protein binding (greater than 99%) may limit exposure. The elimination half-life is apparently unknown.

Hematologic agents

Defibrotide sodium (Defitelio), given as an intravenous infusion, is an oligonucleotide mixture. It is indicated for the treatment of hepatic veno-occlusive disease, also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, with renal or pulmonary dysfunction following hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Animal reproduction studies in two species suggest risk. The mean molecular weight is 13,000-20,000. Plasma protein binding is an average 93%, and the elimination half-life is less than 2 hours. It is doubtful if the drug crosses the placenta, especially in the first half of pregnancy. If possible, avoid the drug in the second half of pregnancy.

Immunologics

Two indications have been approved for daclizumab. The first was in 2005 for the prophylaxis of acute organ rejection of renal transplants (Zenapax), and the second was in 2016 for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (Zinbryta). Reproduction studies in monkeys with Zinbryta can be classified as low risk. The molecular weight (about 144,000) suggests that the drug will not cross the placenta, at least in the first half of pregnancy. However, depending on when the drug is given, the long elimination half-life of 21 days might allow the drug to cross in late pregnancy. Regardless, if the perceived maternal benefit exceeds the potential embryo-fetal risk, the drug should not be withheld because of pregnancy.

Muscular disorder agents

Eteplirsen (Exondys 51) is an antisense oligonucleotide that is given intravenously. It is indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in patients who have a confirmed mutation of the related gene, which is amenable to exon 51 skipping. There are no animal reproduction data. The molecular weight is about 10,306. This suggests that the drug will not cross the placenta, at least in the first half of pregnancy. The elimination half-life is 3-4 hours, and the plasma concentration 24 hours after a dose was 0.07% of the peak plasma concentration. The drug is given once weekly, and waiting for 24 hours or slightly longer after a dose should reduce the exposure, if any, of the embryo-fetus during the first half of pregnancy.

Nusinersen (Spinraza), a survival motor neuron 2 directed–antisense oligonucleotide, is given as an intrathecal dose. It is indicated for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. Subcutaneous doses in two animal species caused no developmental toxicity. The molecular weight of 7,501 suggests that the drug will not cross the human placenta, at least not in the first half of pregnancy. The mean terminal elimination half-life in cerebrospinal fluid was 135-177 days and 63-87 days in plasma.

Ophthalmic agents

Lifitegrast (Xiidra) is an ophthalmic solution of a lymphocyte function-associated–antigen-1 antagonist. It is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. The animal reproduction data suggest low risk. The molecular weight is about 616, suggesting that the drug would cross the placenta. However, in a Phase III trial conducted before FDA approval, 47 patients with dry eye disease were given 1 drop twice daily for periods up to 360 days. Nine patients (19%) had plasma predose (trough) concentrations above 0.5 ng/mL, the lower limit of quantitation. Trough plasma concentrations in these patients ranged from 0.55 ng/mL to 3.74 ng/mL. These amounts do not appear to represent an embryo-fetal risk.

Respiratory agents

Reslizumab (Cinqair), an interleukin-5 antagonist monoclonal antibody, is given intravenously. It is indicated for add-on maintenance treatment of severe asthma in patients with an eosinophilic phenotype. Animal data in two species suggest low risk. The molecular weight is about 147,000, and the elimination half-life is about 24 days. This suggests that exposure of the embryo and fetus will be minimal, at least in the first half of pregnancy. The maternal benefit appears to outweigh the unknown embryo-fetal risk.

Lactation

None of the above drugs have been studied during breastfeeding. Many drugs, regardless of their molecular weight, will cross into milk in small amounts during the first postpartum week. The effects of this exposure on a nursing infant are unknown. Based on the potential for nursing infant harm, the drugs that probably should not be given during breastfeeding include the four antineoplastics, the atypical antipsychotic pimavanserin, and the diabetes injection lixisenatide.

Mr. Briggs is a clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and an adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and at Washington State University, Spokane. He coauthored “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation,” and coedited “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He reported having no relevant financial disclosures.

Lipid-lowering medications are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. But while much is known about their general safety, the data are limited when it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Antilipemic agents are a pharmacologic class that contains 18 drugs. The class is divided into eight subclasses: bile acid sequestrants; fibric acid derivatives, HMG-CoA inhibitors; immunoglobulins; monoclonal antibodies; oligonucleotide inhibitors; vitamins; as well as two miscellaneous drugs, ezetimibe (Zetia) and lomitapide (Juxtapid). Another antilipemic – dextrothyroxine – has been removed from the market by the manufacturer.

Bile acid sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrants include cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran), colesevelam (Welchol), and colestipol (Colestid). These drugs have the potential to cause fetal toxicity. This assessment is based on their mechanism of action. These agents are not absorbed systemically, or absorption is very poor and they bind bile acids into a nonabsorbable complex. This action can reduce intestinal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Fibric acid derivatives

The fibric acid derivatives subclass includes fenofibrate (Tricor, Lofibra) and gemfibrozil (Lopid).

©Jupiterimages/Thinkstock.com

Statins

There are seven HMG-CoA inhibitors, known as statins: atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pitavastatin (Livalo), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor).

The interruption of cholesterol-lowering therapy during pregnancy should have no effect on the long-term treatment of hyperlipidemia. Moreover, cholesterol and products synthesized by cholesterol are important during fetal development as shown by the rise in maternal cholesterol levels during pregnancy. Although the potential for embryo-fetal harm has not been clearly documented, and that potential may eventually be confirmed as low, the use of these agents in the first trimester are best classified as contraindicated.

One consideration in estimating the embryo-fetal risk of statins is their classification as either lipophilic or hydrophilic. Three of the seven statins are hydrophilic (fluvastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin); the remaining four agents are lipophilic. In a 2004 review of 70 reports, all adverse birth outcomes were reported following exposure to lipophilic statins (atorvastatin, lovastatin, or simvastatin) and none with the hydrophilic pravastatin. The authors stated that the findings were due to the fact that lipophilic agents equilibrate between maternal and embryonic compartments, whereas pravastatin is minimally present in the embryo.³ If this is indeed the case, and a statin must be used during pregnancy, fluvastatin, pravastatin, or rosuvastatin appears to be best.

RogerAshford/Thinkstock

Immunoglobulins

The only immunoglobulin in the antilipemic class is evolocumab (Repatha), which has no human pregnancy data. It is an immunoglobulin G2 that is indicated as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy. It is also indicated as an adjunct to diet and other low-density lipoprotein–lowering therapies in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia who require additional lowering. No adverse embryo-fetal effects were observed in monkeys. Because statins are contraindicated in the first trimester, the drug, if combined with a statin, can also be classified as contraindicated. However, if the drug is used alone, the embryo-fetal risk appears to be low based on the animal data.

Monoclonal antibodies

The protein alirocumab (Praluent) is a human monoclonal antibody. It is indicated as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy for the treatment of adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. There are no human pregnancy data. The animal data in rats and monkeys suggest low embryo-fetal risk. However, suppression of the humoral immune response to keyhole hemocyanin antigen was observed in infant monkeys at 4-6 months of age. The significance of this in human infants is apparently unknown. Because statins are contraindicated in the first trimester, the drug should not be used with these agents during that period.

Oligonucleotide inhibitors

No reports describing the use of mipomersen (Kynamro), an oligonucleotide inhibitor of apolipoprotein B-100 synthesis, in human pregnancy have been located. The drug is indicated as an adjunct to lipid-lowering medications and diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, total cholesterol, and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. It has a very long (1-2 months) elimination half-life. The drug caused fetal toxicity in rats, but not in mice or rabbits.

Vitamins

Niacin is a water-soluble B complex vitamin that is converted in vivo to niacinamide. Niacin has no known embryo-fetal risk.

Miscellaneous agents

The two agents in the miscellaneous category are ezetimibe and lomitapide. Ezetimibe is indicated, either alone or in combination with a statin, as adjunctive therapy to diet for the reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides. Statins are contraindicated in the first trimester, but ezetimibe alone could be used during that period if treatment of the mother was mandated. The drug caused no problems in rabbits, but in rats, a dose 10 times the human exposure increased the incidence of skeletal abnormalities. In one report, a woman with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia was treated with direct adsorption of lipoprotein apheresis, ezetimibe, and rosuvastatin. When pregnancy was discovered (gestational age not specified), the two drugs were stopped but biweekly apheresis was continued. At 37 weeks’ gestation, the patient gave birth to a healthy 2,400-g male infant.¹⁰

There are no human pregnancy data with lomitapide. It is indicated as an adjunct to a low-fat diet and other lipid-lowering treatments, including low-density lipoprotein apheresis where available, to reduce LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. At doses less than 10 times the human dose, the drug caused congenital malformations and embryo-fetal death in rats, rabbits, and ferrets. The manufacturer classifies the drug as contraindicated in pregnancy because of the animal data.

Breastfeeding

Only niacin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin have data regarding human milk concentrations. Niacin and its active form – niacinamide – are excreted into breast milk.

The average peak milk level in 11 lactating women given pravastatin 20 mg twice daily for 2.5 days was 3.9 mcg/L, whereas the level for the active metabolite was 2.1 mcg/L. Based on these data, a fully breastfed infant would receive daily about 1.4% of the mother’s weight-adjusted dose.¹¹

A 31-year-old woman was treated with rosuvastatin for familial hypercholesterolemia while breastfeeding her infant. The drug was stopped during breastfeeding but was restarted at 33 days post partum. Breast milk concentrations of the drug were 1.2 times serum levels (about 22 ng/mL vs. 18 ng/mL). Unfortunately, no information was provided on the status of the nursing infant.¹²

Three of the above agents have high molecular weights - alirocumab, evolocumab, and mipomersen - and are probably not excreted into mature breast milk. Moreover, colesevelam is not absorbed, and very small amounts of colestipol are absorbed by mothers. Several antilipemic agents have characteristics (for example, low molecular weight or long elimination half-life) that suggest they will be excreted into breast milk: ezetimibe, fenofibric acid (active metabolite of fenofibrate), gemfibrozil, lomitapide, and all the statins.

Taken in sum, all of the antilipemics, with the exception of niacin, have the potential to cause a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) in mother’s milk and in the nursing infant. Deficiency is a concern for all of these vitamins, but especially for vitamin K, because it could cause bruising, petechiae, hematomas, and bleeding in the nursing infant. In addition, antilipemics could cause low levels in milk of cholesterol and lipids, which are required by a nursing infant. Consequently, they should not be used by mothers who are breastfeeding an infant.
 

References

1. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1995 Feb;102(2):169-70.

2. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2015 May;28(8):954-8.

3. Am J Med Genet A. 2004 Dec 15;131(3):287-98.

4. J Clin Invest. 2016 Aug 1;126(8):2933-40.

5. Hypertension. 2015 Sep;66(3):687-97.

6. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Jun;214(6):720.e1-720.e17.

7. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol. 2005 Nov;73(11):888-96.

8. Reprod Toxicol. 2008 Oct;26(2):175-7.

9. Ann Pharmacother. 2012 Oct;46(10):1419-24.

10. Open Cardiovasc Med J. 2015 Dec 29;9:114-7.

11. J Clin Pharmacol. 1988;28:942.

12. Am J Med. 2013 Sep;126(9):e7-e8.
 

Mr. Briggs is clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and Washington State University, Spokane. He is coauthor of “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation,” and coeditor of “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He has no relevant financial disclosures.

Lipid-lowering medications are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. But while much is known about their general safety, the data are limited when it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Antilipemic agents are a pharmacologic class that contains 18 drugs. The class is divided into eight subclasses: bile acid sequestrants; fibric acid derivatives, HMG-CoA inhibitors; immunoglobulins; monoclonal antibodies; oligonucleotide inhibitors; vitamins; as well as two miscellaneous drugs, ezetimibe (Zetia) and lomitapide (Juxtapid). Another antilipemic – dextrothyroxine – has been removed from the market by the manufacturer.

Bile acid sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrants include cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran), colesevelam (Welchol), and colestipol (Colestid). These drugs have the potential to cause fetal toxicity. This assessment is based on their mechanism of action. These agents are not absorbed systemically, or absorption is very poor and they bind bile acids into a nonabsorbable complex. This action can reduce intestinal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Fibric acid derivatives

The fibric acid derivatives subclass includes fenofibrate (Tricor, Lofibra) and gemfibrozil (Lopid).

©Jupiterimages/Thinkstock.com

Statins

There are seven HMG-CoA inhibitors, known as statins: atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pitavastatin (Livalo), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor).

The interruption of cholesterol-lowering therapy during pregnancy should have no effect on the long-term treatment of hyperlipidemia. Moreover, cholesterol and products synthesized by cholesterol are important during fetal development as shown by the rise in maternal cholesterol levels during pregnancy. Although the potential for embryo-fetal harm has not been clearly documented, and that potential may eventually be confirmed as low, the use of these agents in the first trimester are best classified as contraindicated.

One consideration in estimating the embryo-fetal risk of statins is their classification as either lipophilic or hydrophilic. Three of the seven statins are hydrophilic (fluvastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin); the remaining four agents are lipophilic. In a 2004 review of 70 reports, all adverse birth outcomes were reported following exposure to lipophilic statins (atorvastatin, lovastatin, or simvastatin) and none with the hydrophilic pravastatin. The authors stated that the findings were due to the fact that lipophilic agents equilibrate between maternal and embryonic compartments, whereas pravastatin is minimally present in the embryo.³ If this is indeed the case, and a statin must be used during pregnancy, fluvastatin, pravastatin, or rosuvastatin appears to be best.

RogerAshford/Thinkstock

Immunoglobulins

The only immunoglobulin in the antilipemic class is evolocumab (Repatha), which has no human pregnancy data. It is an immunoglobulin G2 that is indicated as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy. It is also indicated as an adjunct to diet and other low-density lipoprotein–lowering therapies in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia who require additional lowering. No adverse embryo-fetal effects were observed in monkeys. Because statins are contraindicated in the first trimester, the drug, if combined with a statin, can also be classified as contraindicated. However, if the drug is used alone, the embryo-fetal risk appears to be low based on the animal data.

Monoclonal antibodies

The protein alirocumab (Praluent) is a human monoclonal antibody. It is indicated as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy for the treatment of adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. There are no human pregnancy data. The animal data in rats and monkeys suggest low embryo-fetal risk. However, suppression of the humoral immune response to keyhole hemocyanin antigen was observed in infant monkeys at 4-6 months of age. The significance of this in human infants is apparently unknown. Because statins are contraindicated in the first trimester, the drug should not be used with these agents during that period.

Oligonucleotide inhibitors

No reports describing the use of mipomersen (Kynamro), an oligonucleotide inhibitor of apolipoprotein B-100 synthesis, in human pregnancy have been located. The drug is indicated as an adjunct to lipid-lowering medications and diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, total cholesterol, and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. It has a very long (1-2 months) elimination half-life. The drug caused fetal toxicity in rats, but not in mice or rabbits.

Vitamins

Niacin is a water-soluble B complex vitamin that is converted in vivo to niacinamide. Niacin has no known embryo-fetal risk.

Miscellaneous agents

The two agents in the miscellaneous category are ezetimibe and lomitapide. Ezetimibe is indicated, either alone or in combination with a statin, as adjunctive therapy to diet for the reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides. Statins are contraindicated in the first trimester, but ezetimibe alone could be used during that period if treatment of the mother was mandated. The drug caused no problems in rabbits, but in rats, a dose 10 times the human exposure increased the incidence of skeletal abnormalities. In one report, a woman with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia was treated with direct adsorption of lipoprotein apheresis, ezetimibe, and rosuvastatin. When pregnancy was discovered (gestational age not specified), the two drugs were stopped but biweekly apheresis was continued. At 37 weeks’ gestation, the patient gave birth to a healthy 2,400-g male infant.¹⁰

There are no human pregnancy data with lomitapide. It is indicated as an adjunct to a low-fat diet and other lipid-lowering treatments, including low-density lipoprotein apheresis where available, to reduce LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. At doses less than 10 times the human dose, the drug caused congenital malformations and embryo-fetal death in rats, rabbits, and ferrets. The manufacturer classifies the drug as contraindicated in pregnancy because of the animal data.

Breastfeeding

Only niacin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin have data regarding human milk concentrations. Niacin and its active form – niacinamide – are excreted into breast milk.

The average peak milk level in 11 lactating women given pravastatin 20 mg twice daily for 2.5 days was 3.9 mcg/L, whereas the level for the active metabolite was 2.1 mcg/L. Based on these data, a fully breastfed infant would receive daily about 1.4% of the mother’s weight-adjusted dose.¹¹

A 31-year-old woman was treated with rosuvastatin for familial hypercholesterolemia while breastfeeding her infant. The drug was stopped during breastfeeding but was restarted at 33 days post partum. Breast milk concentrations of the drug were 1.2 times serum levels (about 22 ng/mL vs. 18 ng/mL). Unfortunately, no information was provided on the status of the nursing infant.¹²

Three of the above agents have high molecular weights - alirocumab, evolocumab, and mipomersen - and are probably not excreted into mature breast milk. Moreover, colesevelam is not absorbed, and very small amounts of colestipol are absorbed by mothers. Several antilipemic agents have characteristics (for example, low molecular weight or long elimination half-life) that suggest they will be excreted into breast milk: ezetimibe, fenofibric acid (active metabolite of fenofibrate), gemfibrozil, lomitapide, and all the statins.

Taken in sum, all of the antilipemics, with the exception of niacin, have the potential to cause a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) in mother’s milk and in the nursing infant. Deficiency is a concern for all of these vitamins, but especially for vitamin K, because it could cause bruising, petechiae, hematomas, and bleeding in the nursing infant. In addition, antilipemics could cause low levels in milk of cholesterol and lipids, which are required by a nursing infant. Consequently, they should not be used by mothers who are breastfeeding an infant.
 

References

1. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1995 Feb;102(2):169-70.

2. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2015 May;28(8):954-8.

3. Am J Med Genet A. 2004 Dec 15;131(3):287-98.

4. J Clin Invest. 2016 Aug 1;126(8):2933-40.

5. Hypertension. 2015 Sep;66(3):687-97.

6. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Jun;214(6):720.e1-720.e17.

7. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol. 2005 Nov;73(11):888-96.

8. Reprod Toxicol. 2008 Oct;26(2):175-7.

9. Ann Pharmacother. 2012 Oct;46(10):1419-24.

10. Open Cardiovasc Med J. 2015 Dec 29;9:114-7.

11. J Clin Pharmacol. 1988;28:942.

12. Am J Med. 2013 Sep;126(9):e7-e8.
 

Mr. Briggs is clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and Washington State University, Spokane. He is coauthor of “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation,” and coeditor of “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He has no relevant financial disclosures.

Lipid-lowering medications are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. But while much is known about their general safety, the data are limited when it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Antilipemic agents are a pharmacologic class that contains 18 drugs. The class is divided into eight subclasses: bile acid sequestrants; fibric acid derivatives, HMG-CoA inhibitors; immunoglobulins; monoclonal antibodies; oligonucleotide inhibitors; vitamins; as well as two miscellaneous drugs, ezetimibe (Zetia) and lomitapide (Juxtapid). Another antilipemic – dextrothyroxine – has been removed from the market by the manufacturer.

Bile acid sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrants include cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran), colesevelam (Welchol), and colestipol (Colestid). These drugs have the potential to cause fetal toxicity. This assessment is based on their mechanism of action. These agents are not absorbed systemically, or absorption is very poor and they bind bile acids into a nonabsorbable complex. This action can reduce intestinal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Fibric acid derivatives

The fibric acid derivatives subclass includes fenofibrate (Tricor, Lofibra) and gemfibrozil (Lopid).

©Jupiterimages/Thinkstock.com

Statins

There are seven HMG-CoA inhibitors, known as statins: atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pitavastatin (Livalo), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor).

The interruption of cholesterol-lowering therapy during pregnancy should have no effect on the long-term treatment of hyperlipidemia. Moreover, cholesterol and products synthesized by cholesterol are important during fetal development as shown by the rise in maternal cholesterol levels during pregnancy. Although the potential for embryo-fetal harm has not been clearly documented, and that potential may eventually be confirmed as low, the use of these agents in the first trimester are best classified as contraindicated.

One consideration in estimating the embryo-fetal risk of statins is their classification as either lipophilic or hydrophilic. Three of the seven statins are hydrophilic (fluvastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin); the remaining four agents are lipophilic. In a 2004 review of 70 reports, all adverse birth outcomes were reported following exposure to lipophilic statins (atorvastatin, lovastatin, or simvastatin) and none with the hydrophilic pravastatin. The authors stated that the findings were due to the fact that lipophilic agents equilibrate between maternal and embryonic compartments, whereas pravastatin is minimally present in the embryo.³ If this is indeed the case, and a statin must be used during pregnancy, fluvastatin, pravastatin, or rosuvastatin appears to be best.

RogerAshford/Thinkstock

Immunoglobulins

The only immunoglobulin in the antilipemic class is evolocumab (Repatha), which has no human pregnancy data. It is an immunoglobulin G2 that is indicated as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy. It is also indicated as an adjunct to diet and other low-density lipoprotein–lowering therapies in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia who require additional lowering. No adverse embryo-fetal effects were observed in monkeys. Because statins are contraindicated in the first trimester, the drug, if combined with a statin, can also be classified as contraindicated. However, if the drug is used alone, the embryo-fetal risk appears to be low based on the animal data.

Monoclonal antibodies

The protein alirocumab (Praluent) is a human monoclonal antibody. It is indicated as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy for the treatment of adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. There are no human pregnancy data. The animal data in rats and monkeys suggest low embryo-fetal risk. However, suppression of the humoral immune response to keyhole hemocyanin antigen was observed in infant monkeys at 4-6 months of age. The significance of this in human infants is apparently unknown. Because statins are contraindicated in the first trimester, the drug should not be used with these agents during that period.

Oligonucleotide inhibitors

No reports describing the use of mipomersen (Kynamro), an oligonucleotide inhibitor of apolipoprotein B-100 synthesis, in human pregnancy have been located. The drug is indicated as an adjunct to lipid-lowering medications and diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, total cholesterol, and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. It has a very long (1-2 months) elimination half-life. The drug caused fetal toxicity in rats, but not in mice or rabbits.

Vitamins

Niacin is a water-soluble B complex vitamin that is converted in vivo to niacinamide. Niacin has no known embryo-fetal risk.

Miscellaneous agents

The two agents in the miscellaneous category are ezetimibe and lomitapide. Ezetimibe is indicated, either alone or in combination with a statin, as adjunctive therapy to diet for the reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides. Statins are contraindicated in the first trimester, but ezetimibe alone could be used during that period if treatment of the mother was mandated. The drug caused no problems in rabbits, but in rats, a dose 10 times the human exposure increased the incidence of skeletal abnormalities. In one report, a woman with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia was treated with direct adsorption of lipoprotein apheresis, ezetimibe, and rosuvastatin. When pregnancy was discovered (gestational age not specified), the two drugs were stopped but biweekly apheresis was continued. At 37 weeks’ gestation, the patient gave birth to a healthy 2,400-g male infant.¹⁰

There are no human pregnancy data with lomitapide. It is indicated as an adjunct to a low-fat diet and other lipid-lowering treatments, including low-density lipoprotein apheresis where available, to reduce LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. At doses less than 10 times the human dose, the drug caused congenital malformations and embryo-fetal death in rats, rabbits, and ferrets. The manufacturer classifies the drug as contraindicated in pregnancy because of the animal data.

Breastfeeding

Only niacin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin have data regarding human milk concentrations. Niacin and its active form – niacinamide – are excreted into breast milk.

The average peak milk level in 11 lactating women given pravastatin 20 mg twice daily for 2.5 days was 3.9 mcg/L, whereas the level for the active metabolite was 2.1 mcg/L. Based on these data, a fully breastfed infant would receive daily about 1.4% of the mother’s weight-adjusted dose.¹¹

A 31-year-old woman was treated with rosuvastatin for familial hypercholesterolemia while breastfeeding her infant. The drug was stopped during breastfeeding but was restarted at 33 days post partum. Breast milk concentrations of the drug were 1.2 times serum levels (about 22 ng/mL vs. 18 ng/mL). Unfortunately, no information was provided on the status of the nursing infant.¹²

Three of the above agents have high molecular weights - alirocumab, evolocumab, and mipomersen - and are probably not excreted into mature breast milk. Moreover, colesevelam is not absorbed, and very small amounts of colestipol are absorbed by mothers. Several antilipemic agents have characteristics (for example, low molecular weight or long elimination half-life) that suggest they will be excreted into breast milk: ezetimibe, fenofibric acid (active metabolite of fenofibrate), gemfibrozil, lomitapide, and all the statins.

Taken in sum, all of the antilipemics, with the exception of niacin, have the potential to cause a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) in mother’s milk and in the nursing infant. Deficiency is a concern for all of these vitamins, but especially for vitamin K, because it could cause bruising, petechiae, hematomas, and bleeding in the nursing infant. In addition, antilipemics could cause low levels in milk of cholesterol and lipids, which are required by a nursing infant. Consequently, they should not be used by mothers who are breastfeeding an infant.
 

References

1. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1995 Feb;102(2):169-70.

2. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2015 May;28(8):954-8.

3. Am J Med Genet A. 2004 Dec 15;131(3):287-98.

4. J Clin Invest. 2016 Aug 1;126(8):2933-40.

5. Hypertension. 2015 Sep;66(3):687-97.

6. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Jun;214(6):720.e1-720.e17.

7. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol. 2005 Nov;73(11):888-96.

8. Reprod Toxicol. 2008 Oct;26(2):175-7.

9. Ann Pharmacother. 2012 Oct;46(10):1419-24.

10. Open Cardiovasc Med J. 2015 Dec 29;9:114-7.

11. J Clin Pharmacol. 1988;28:942.

12. Am J Med. 2013 Sep;126(9):e7-e8.
 

Mr. Briggs is clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and Washington State University, Spokane. He is coauthor of “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation,” and coeditor of “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He has no relevant financial disclosures.

Editor’s note: As Ob.Gyn. News celebrates its 50th anniversary, we wanted to know how far the medical community has come in identifying and mitigating drug risks during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. In this article, our four expert columnists share their experiences trying to find and interpret critical pregnancy data, as well as how they weigh the potential risks and benefits for their patients.

The search for information

The biggest advance in the past 50 years is the availability of information, even though limited, relating to the effects of drugs in pregnancy and lactation. In the first few years of this period, it was a daunting task to obtain this information. I can recall spending hours in the hospital’s medical library going through huge volumes of Index Medicus to obtain references that the library could order for me. The appearance of Thomas H. Shepard’s first edition (Catalog of Teratogenic Agents) in 1973 was a step forward and in 1977, O.P. Heinonen and colleagues’ book (Birth Defects and Drugs in Pregnancy) was helpful.

Purestock/Thinkstock

Mr. Briggs is clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and Washington State University, Spokane. He is coauthor of “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation,” and coeditor of “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He has no relevant financial disclosures.

Learning the lessons of the past

During the last 50 years, two of the most potent known human teratogens, thalidomide and isotretinoin, became available for prescription in the United States. Thanks to the efforts of Frances Kelsey, MD, PhD, at the FDA, the initial application for approval of thalidomide in the United States was denied in the early 1960s. Subsequently, based on evidence from other countries where thalidomide was marketed that the drug can cause a pattern of serious birth defects, a very strict pregnancy prevention program was implemented when the drug was finally approved in the United States in 2006.

Dr. Chambers is a professor of pediatrics and director of clinical research at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, and associate director of the Clinical and Translational Research Institute at the University of California, San Diego. She is director of MotherToBaby California, a past president of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, and past president of the Teratology Society. She has no relevant financial disclosures.

Moving toward personalized medicine

Nowhere is a lack of actionable data more pronounced than in the impact of mental health drugs in pregnancy.

As Dr. Briggs and Dr. Chambers have outlined, the quality of data regarding the reproductive safety of medications across the therapeutic spectrum has historically been fair at best. The methodology and the rigor has been sparse and to a large extent, in psychiatry, we were only able to look for signals of concern. Prior to the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was little to guide clinicians on the safety of even very commonly used psychiatric medications during pregnancy. The health implications for women of reproductive age are extraordinary and yet that urgency was not matched by the level of investigation until more recently.

Dr. Cohen is the director of the Center for Women’s Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, which provides information resources and conducts clinical care and research in reproductive mental health. He has been a consultant to manufacturers of psychiatric medications.

Perception of risk

Every year, numerous new medicines are approved by the FDA without data in pregnancy. Animal studies may show a problem that doesn’t appear in humans, or as was the case with thalidomide, the problem may not be apparent in animals and show up later in humans. There are many drugs that are safe in pregnancy, but women are understandably afraid of the potential impact on fetal development.

While my colleagues have presented the advances we’ve made in understanding the actual risks of medications during the prenatal period, it’s also important to focus on the perception of risk and to recognize that the reality and the perception can be vastly different.

Dr. Koren is a professor of physiology/pharmacology at Western University, London, Ont., and a professor of medicine at Tel Aviv University. He is the founder of the Motherisk Program. He reported being a paid consultant for Duchesnay and Novartis.

Editor’s note: As Ob.Gyn. News celebrates its 50th anniversary, we wanted to know how far the medical community has come in identifying and mitigating drug risks during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. In this article, our four expert columnists share their experiences trying to find and interpret critical pregnancy data, as well as how they weigh the potential risks and benefits for their patients.

The search for information

The biggest advance in the past 50 years is the availability of information, even though limited, relating to the effects of drugs in pregnancy and lactation. In the first few years of this period, it was a daunting task to obtain this information. I can recall spending hours in the hospital’s medical library going through huge volumes of Index Medicus to obtain references that the library could order for me. The appearance of Thomas H. Shepard’s first edition (Catalog of Teratogenic Agents) in 1973 was a step forward and in 1977, O.P. Heinonen and colleagues’ book (Birth Defects and Drugs in Pregnancy) was helpful.

Purestock/Thinkstock

Mr. Briggs is clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and Washington State University, Spokane. He is coauthor of “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation,” and coeditor of “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He has no relevant financial disclosures.

Learning the lessons of the past

During the last 50 years, two of the most potent known human teratogens, thalidomide and isotretinoin, became available for prescription in the United States. Thanks to the efforts of Frances Kelsey, MD, PhD, at the FDA, the initial application for approval of thalidomide in the United States was denied in the early 1960s. Subsequently, based on evidence from other countries where thalidomide was marketed that the drug can cause a pattern of serious birth defects, a very strict pregnancy prevention program was implemented when the drug was finally approved in the United States in 2006.

Dr. Chambers is a professor of pediatrics and director of clinical research at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, and associate director of the Clinical and Translational Research Institute at the University of California, San Diego. She is director of MotherToBaby California, a past president of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, and past president of the Teratology Society. She has no relevant financial disclosures.

Moving toward personalized medicine

Nowhere is a lack of actionable data more pronounced than in the impact of mental health drugs in pregnancy.

As Dr. Briggs and Dr. Chambers have outlined, the quality of data regarding the reproductive safety of medications across the therapeutic spectrum has historically been fair at best. The methodology and the rigor has been sparse and to a large extent, in psychiatry, we were only able to look for signals of concern. Prior to the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was little to guide clinicians on the safety of even very commonly used psychiatric medications during pregnancy. The health implications for women of reproductive age are extraordinary and yet that urgency was not matched by the level of investigation until more recently.

Dr. Cohen is the director of the Center for Women’s Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, which provides information resources and conducts clinical care and research in reproductive mental health. He has been a consultant to manufacturers of psychiatric medications.

Perception of risk

Every year, numerous new medicines are approved by the FDA without data in pregnancy. Animal studies may show a problem that doesn’t appear in humans, or as was the case with thalidomide, the problem may not be apparent in animals and show up later in humans. There are many drugs that are safe in pregnancy, but women are understandably afraid of the potential impact on fetal development.

While my colleagues have presented the advances we’ve made in understanding the actual risks of medications during the prenatal period, it’s also important to focus on the perception of risk and to recognize that the reality and the perception can be vastly different.

Dr. Koren is a professor of physiology/pharmacology at Western University, London, Ont., and a professor of medicine at Tel Aviv University. He is the founder of the Motherisk Program. He reported being a paid consultant for Duchesnay and Novartis.

Editor’s note: As Ob.Gyn. News celebrates its 50th anniversary, we wanted to know how far the medical community has come in identifying and mitigating drug risks during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. In this article, our four expert columnists share their experiences trying to find and interpret critical pregnancy data, as well as how they weigh the potential risks and benefits for their patients.

The search for information

The biggest advance in the past 50 years is the availability of information, even though limited, relating to the effects of drugs in pregnancy and lactation. In the first few years of this period, it was a daunting task to obtain this information. I can recall spending hours in the hospital’s medical library going through huge volumes of Index Medicus to obtain references that the library could order for me. The appearance of Thomas H. Shepard’s first edition (Catalog of Teratogenic Agents) in 1973 was a step forward and in 1977, O.P. Heinonen and colleagues’ book (Birth Defects and Drugs in Pregnancy) was helpful.

Purestock/Thinkstock

Mr. Briggs is clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and Washington State University, Spokane. He is coauthor of “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation,” and coeditor of “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He has no relevant financial disclosures.

Learning the lessons of the past

During the last 50 years, two of the most potent known human teratogens, thalidomide and isotretinoin, became available for prescription in the United States. Thanks to the efforts of Frances Kelsey, MD, PhD, at the FDA, the initial application for approval of thalidomide in the United States was denied in the early 1960s. Subsequently, based on evidence from other countries where thalidomide was marketed that the drug can cause a pattern of serious birth defects, a very strict pregnancy prevention program was implemented when the drug was finally approved in the United States in 2006.

Dr. Chambers is a professor of pediatrics and director of clinical research at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, and associate director of the Clinical and Translational Research Institute at the University of California, San Diego. She is director of MotherToBaby California, a past president of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, and past president of the Teratology Society. She has no relevant financial disclosures.

Moving toward personalized medicine

Nowhere is a lack of actionable data more pronounced than in the impact of mental health drugs in pregnancy.

As Dr. Briggs and Dr. Chambers have outlined, the quality of data regarding the reproductive safety of medications across the therapeutic spectrum has historically been fair at best. The methodology and the rigor has been sparse and to a large extent, in psychiatry, we were only able to look for signals of concern. Prior to the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was little to guide clinicians on the safety of even very commonly used psychiatric medications during pregnancy. The health implications for women of reproductive age are extraordinary and yet that urgency was not matched by the level of investigation until more recently.

Dr. Cohen is the director of the Center for Women’s Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, which provides information resources and conducts clinical care and research in reproductive mental health. He has been a consultant to manufacturers of psychiatric medications.

Perception of risk

Every year, numerous new medicines are approved by the FDA without data in pregnancy. Animal studies may show a problem that doesn’t appear in humans, or as was the case with thalidomide, the problem may not be apparent in animals and show up later in humans. There are many drugs that are safe in pregnancy, but women are understandably afraid of the potential impact on fetal development.

While my colleagues have presented the advances we’ve made in understanding the actual risks of medications during the prenatal period, it’s also important to focus on the perception of risk and to recognize that the reality and the perception can be vastly different.

Dr. Koren is a professor of physiology/pharmacology at Western University, London, Ont., and a professor of medicine at Tel Aviv University. He is the founder of the Motherisk Program. He reported being a paid consultant for Duchesnay and Novartis.

The Food and Drug Administration approved 45 new drugs in 2015. Currently, lesinurad (Zurampic) to treat high blood uric levels associated with gout, is not yet available. Another agent, aripiprazole (Aristada) for the treatment of schizophrenia, was initially approved in 2004 and is included in “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation,” 10th ed. (Philadelphia: Walters Kluwer: 2014, pp. 83-5).

There are three new multidrug combinations. Ceftazidime-avibactam (Avycaz) is indicated for complicated intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis, when there are limited or no alternative treatment options. Lumacaftor-ivacaftor (Orkambi) is used to treat cystic fibrosis. There are no human pregnancy data for these two combination products but, based on animal data, they can be classified as low risk (no developmental toxicity in two or more animal species). There also is a four-drug combination that is a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infections: elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (Genvoya). There is one reference citing the use of this combination drug in human pregnancy. It resulted in a healthy full-term infant. Because of its indication, this drug product should not be withheld because of pregnancy.

Asfotase (Strensiq) is a tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. It is indicated for the treatment of perinatal/infantile and juvenile-onset hypophosphatasia. The animal data suggest low risk but it is doubtful that this drug will be used in pregnancy. In studies conducted by the manufacturer, the oldest patient age was 12.6 years.

Dinutuximab (Unituxin) is indicated for the treatment of neuroblastoma, an extracranial solid cancer that occurs in children. There are no studies in pregnant animals or humans.

The remaining 38 agents can be classified into the following categories: anticoagulant (2), antidiarrheal (1), antidiabetic (1), antidote (3), antiemetic (1), antifungal (1), antilipemic (2), antineoplastic (13), antipsychotic (2), antiviral (1), bile acid (2), cardiovascular (2), female sexual dysfunction (1), immunomodulator (1), lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (1), parathyroid hormone (1), pyrimidine analog (1), and respiratory (2).

Only two (cholic acid and ivabradine) of these 38 drugs have any human pregnancy data. Thus, the embryo-fetal risk has to be estimated using only animal data. However, an analysis of 1,154 drugs found that animal data raised the possibility of human developmental toxicity in 311 drugs, which was eventually confirmed in 75 drugs (Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Dec;213[6]:810-5). Nevertheless, in some cases the maternal benefit will outweigh the risk based on animal data.

Anticoagulants

The two anticoagulants are cangrelor (Kengreal), indicated as an adjunct to percutaneous coronary intervention to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, and edoxaban (Savaysa), to reduce the risk of stroke and embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Although the animal data for cangrelor suggest moderate risk (developmental toxicity in one animal species), the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the risk. The animal data for edoxaban suggest low risk.

Antidiarrheal

Eluxadoline (Viberzi) is indicated for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. The animal data suggest low risk.

Antidiabetic

The animal data also suggest low risk for insulin degludec (Tresiba), a long-acting human insulin analog.

Antidote

Sugammadex (Bridion), an antidote, is indicated for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium and vecuronium in adults undergoing surgery. The animal data suggest risk (developmental toxicity in two or more animal species). Another antidote, idarucizumab (Praxbind) is a humanized monoclonal antibody fragment. It is indicated to reverse the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. If indicated, the drug should not be withheld because of pregnancy. The third antidote is patiromer (Veltassa). It is a potassium binder used for the treatment of hyperkalemia. It should not be used for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action. It is not absorbed systemically. Because it can bind other drugs in the gut, other oral medications should be given at least 6 hours before or after patiromer.

Antiemetic

©moodboard/Thinkstock

The antiemetic drug rolapitant (Varubi) is used, in combination with other antiemetics, for patients receiving antineoplastics. Animal data suggest moderate risk.

Antifungal

The triazole antifungal, isavuconazonium (Cresemba) is used for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis or invasive mucormycosis. Low doses of the drug caused perinatal death and skeletal defects in rats, similar to other azole antifungal agents.

Antilipemic agents

There are two antilipemic agents; alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha). Alirocumab, a monoclonal antibody, is combined with statin therapy. Statins are contraindicated in pregnancy because interruption of cholesterol-lowering therapy during pregnancy should have no effect on the long-term treatment of hyperlipidemia and there is potential for embryo-fetal risk. Thus, alirocumab is also contraindicated during pregnancy. The same reasoning applies to evolocumab, an immunoglobulin, that is also given with statins.

Antineoplastic

There are 13 new antineoplastic agents that are often combined with other agents. They all can be classified as contraindicated in pregnancy, but the maternal benefit has to be weighed against the potential for embryo-fetal harm. Moreover, they are usually indicated when older drugs and treatments have not been effective. If the drug must be used in pregnancy, avoiding the first trimester should be a priority.

Sonidegib (Odomzo) is used for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. The new agent for breast cancer is palbociclib (Ibrance). It is combined with letrozole, an antineoplastic that has caused spontaneous abortions and birth defects. A combination drug indicated for metastatic colorectal cancer is trifluridine/tipiracil (Lonsurf).

There are three new drugs that are indicated for non–small-cell lung cancer: alectinib (Alecensa), necitumumab (Portrazza), and osimertinib (Tagrisso). Alectinib and osimertinib are kinase inhibitors, whereas necitumumab is a epidermal growth factor receptor antagonist. The latter agent is a first-line drug that is combined with gemcitabine and cisplatin, both of which can cause birth defects.

The drug used for metastatic liposarcoma or leiomyosarcoma is trabectedin (Yondelis), an alkylating drug. There are no animal data, but the drug’s mechanism of action suggests that it can cause fetal harm. Cobimetinib (Cotellic), a kinase inhibitor, is indicated for the treatment of metastatic melanoma in combination with vemurafenib, another kinase inhibitor. The animal data and mechanism of action suggest that the drug could cause fetal harm.

There are four new agents for the treatment of multiple myeloma: panobinostat (Farydak), daratumumab (Darzalex), elotuzumab (Empliciti), and ixazomib (Ninlaro). Panobinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, is combined with bortezomib (a proteasome inhibitor) and dexamethasone. The animal data suggest risk. The manufacturer recommends effective contraception while taking the drug and for at least 1 month after the last dose. Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody. There are no animal data, but based on its mechanism of action, the drug may cause fetal myeloid or lymphoid-cell depletion and decreased bone density. The immunostimulatory antibody elotuzumab is given in combination with lenalidomide, an analog of thalidomide, and dexamethasone. There are no pregnancy data in animals or humans with lenalidomide, but this agent is contraindicated in pregnancy because of its relationship to thalidomide. Ixazomib, a proteasome inhibitor, is also given in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, so the concerns are the same.

A new drug for thyroid cancer is lenvatinib (Lenvima), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The animal data suggest risk.

Antipsychotics

The two atypical antipsychotics are brexpiprazole (Rexulti) and cariprazine (Vraylar). Both drugs are included in National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. Information concerning the registry can be obtained by calling 1-866-961-2388 or at http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/.

Brexpiprazole is indicated for use as an adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder and for the treatment of schizophrenia. The animal data suggest low risk. Cariprazine is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and for the treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. The animal data suggest moderate risk.

Antiviral

Daclatasvir (Daklinza) is an antiviral agent indicated for use with sofosbuvir, with or without ribavirin, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 or 3 infection. The animal data suggest low risk but, if ribavirin is used, the combination is contraindicated.

Bile acid

There are two new bile acid products. Cholic acid (Cholbam), is indicated for the treatment of bile acid synthesis disorders due to single enzyme defects and for peroxisomal disorders, including Zellweger spectrum disorders. Although studies in pregnant women or animals have not been conducted, the manufacturer is aware of some case reports that resulted in healthy infants.

Deoxycholic acid (Kybella) is a cytolytic agent that is indicated for improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe convexity or fullness associated with submental fat in adults. The drug caused no fetal harm in rats but did in rabbits, which may have been due to maternal toxicity.

Cardiovascular agents

There are two new cardiovascular agents. Ivabradine (Corlanor) is a hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel blocker that is indicated to reduce the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure. The animal data suggest risk. A 2001 case report described the use of the drug in a pregnant woman. She suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest in her 10th week of pregnancy and was successfully treated with several drugs, including ivabradine. Ivabradine was stopped 1 month later. She gave birth at term to a normal healthy male infant.

Entresto is a combination of sacubitril, a neprilysin inhibitor, and valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker. The combination is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. There is ample evidence that exposure to valsartan in the second half of pregnancy can cause severe fetal/neonatal toxicity including death.

Sexual dysfunction

Flibanserin (Addyi) is indicated for the treatment of premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder. The animal data suggest moderate risk. The simultaneous use of alcohol increases the risk of severe hypotension and syncope. The drug is available only through a restricted program called the Addyi REMS Program.

Immunomodulator

The new immunomodulator is secukinumab (Cosentyx). It is a human interleukin-17A antagonist indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy of phototherapy, adults with psoriatic arthritis, and adults with active ankylosing spondylitis. The animal data suggest low risk.

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency treatment

Sebelipase (Kanuma) is a lysosomal cholesteryl ester and triacylglycerol-specific enzyme that is indicated for the treatment of lysosomal acid lipase deficiency. The animal data suggest low risk.

Parathyroid hormone

Parathyroid hormone (Natpara) is used as an adjunct to calcium and vitamin D to control hypocalcemia in patients with hypoparathryoidism. The animal data in one species suggest moderate risk. Moreover, because of the risk of osteosarcoma, the drug should be used only in patients who cannot be well controlled on calcium and active forms of vitamin D alone.

Pyrimidine analog

Uridine (Xuriden) is a pyrimidine analog for uridine replacement. It is indicated for the treatment of hereditary orotic aciduria. The animal data suggest low risk.

Respiratory agents

The two respiratory agents are mepolizumab (Nucala) and selexipag (Uptravi). Mepolizumab is an interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody. It is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of patients with severe asthma aged 12 years and older and with an eosinophilic phenotype. The animal data suggest low risk. Selexipag is a prostacyclin receptor agonist that is used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension to delay disease progression and reduce the risk of hospitalization. The animal data suggest low risk.

Lactation

Use of the above drugs during human lactation has not been reported. It is likely that many of these agents will be excreted into breast milk. If a new agent is being taken by a woman who is or will be breastfeeding, the drug’s product information should be checked for the most common adverse reactions noted in nonpregnant patients and the nursing infant should be monitored for these effects.

Mr. Briggs is clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and Washington State University, Spokane. He is coauthor of “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation,” and coeditor of “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He has no relevant financial disclosures.

The Food and Drug Administration approved 45 new drugs in 2015. Currently, lesinurad (Zurampic) to treat high blood uric levels associated with gout, is not yet available. Another agent, aripiprazole (Aristada) for the treatment of schizophrenia, was initially approved in 2004 and is included in “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation,” 10th ed. (Philadelphia: Walters Kluwer: 2014, pp. 83-5).

There are three new multidrug combinations. Ceftazidime-avibactam (Avycaz) is indicated for complicated intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis, when there are limited or no alternative treatment options. Lumacaftor-ivacaftor (Orkambi) is used to treat cystic fibrosis. There are no human pregnancy data for these two combination products but, based on animal data, they can be classified as low risk (no developmental toxicity in two or more animal species). There also is a four-drug combination that is a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infections: elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (Genvoya). There is one reference citing the use of this combination drug in human pregnancy. It resulted in a healthy full-term infant. Because of its indication, this drug product should not be withheld because of pregnancy.

Asfotase (Strensiq) is a tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. It is indicated for the treatment of perinatal/infantile and juvenile-onset hypophosphatasia. The animal data suggest low risk but it is doubtful that this drug will be used in pregnancy. In studies conducted by the manufacturer, the oldest patient age was 12.6 years.

Dinutuximab (Unituxin) is indicated for the treatment of neuroblastoma, an extracranial solid cancer that occurs in children. There are no studies in pregnant animals or humans.

The remaining 38 agents can be classified into the following categories: anticoagulant (2), antidiarrheal (1), antidiabetic (1), antidote (3), antiemetic (1), antifungal (1), antilipemic (2), antineoplastic (13), antipsychotic (2), antiviral (1), bile acid (2), cardiovascular (2), female sexual dysfunction (1), immunomodulator (1), lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (1), parathyroid hormone (1), pyrimidine analog (1), and respiratory (2).

Only two (cholic acid and ivabradine) of these 38 drugs have any human pregnancy data. Thus, the embryo-fetal risk has to be estimated using only animal data. However, an analysis of 1,154 drugs found that animal data raised the possibility of human developmental toxicity in 311 drugs, which was eventually confirmed in 75 drugs (Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Dec;213[6]:810-5). Nevertheless, in some cases the maternal benefit will outweigh the risk based on animal data.

Anticoagulants

The two anticoagulants are cangrelor (Kengreal), indicated as an adjunct to percutaneous coronary intervention to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, and edoxaban (Savaysa), to reduce the risk of stroke and embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Although the animal data for cangrelor suggest moderate risk (developmental toxicity in one animal species), the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the risk. The animal data for edoxaban suggest low risk.

Antidiarrheal

Eluxadoline (Viberzi) is indicated for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. The animal data suggest low risk.

Antidiabetic

The animal data also suggest low risk for insulin degludec (Tresiba), a long-acting human insulin analog.

Antidote

Sugammadex (Bridion), an antidote, is indicated for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium and vecuronium in adults undergoing surgery. The animal data suggest risk (developmental toxicity in two or more animal species). Another antidote, idarucizumab (Praxbind) is a humanized monoclonal antibody fragment. It is indicated to reverse the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. If indicated, the drug should not be withheld because of pregnancy. The third antidote is patiromer (Veltassa). It is a potassium binder used for the treatment of hyperkalemia. It should not be used for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action. It is not absorbed systemically. Because it can bind other drugs in the gut, other oral medications should be given at least 6 hours before or after patiromer.

Antiemetic

©moodboard/Thinkstock

The antiemetic drug rolapitant (Varubi) is used, in combination with other antiemetics, for patients receiving antineoplastics. Animal data suggest moderate risk.

Antifungal

The triazole antifungal, isavuconazonium (Cresemba) is used for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis or invasive mucormycosis. Low doses of the drug caused perinatal death and skeletal defects in rats, similar to other azole antifungal agents.

Antilipemic agents

There are two antilipemic agents; alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha). Alirocumab, a monoclonal antibody, is combined with statin therapy. Statins are contraindicated in pregnancy because interruption of cholesterol-lowering therapy during pregnancy should have no effect on the long-term treatment of hyperlipidemia and there is potential for embryo-fetal risk. Thus, alirocumab is also contraindicated during pregnancy. The same reasoning applies to evolocumab, an immunoglobulin, that is also given with statins.

Antineoplastic

There are 13 new antineoplastic agents that are often combined with other agents. They all can be classified as contraindicated in pregnancy, but the maternal benefit has to be weighed against the potential for embryo-fetal harm. Moreover, they are usually indicated when older drugs and treatments have not been effective. If the drug must be used in pregnancy, avoiding the first trimester should be a priority.

Sonidegib (Odomzo) is used for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. The new agent for breast cancer is palbociclib (Ibrance). It is combined with letrozole, an antineoplastic that has caused spontaneous abortions and birth defects. A combination drug indicated for metastatic colorectal cancer is trifluridine/tipiracil (Lonsurf).

There are three new drugs that are indicated for non–small-cell lung cancer: alectinib (Alecensa), necitumumab (Portrazza), and osimertinib (Tagrisso). Alectinib and osimertinib are kinase inhibitors, whereas necitumumab is a epidermal growth factor receptor antagonist. The latter agent is a first-line drug that is combined with gemcitabine and cisplatin, both of which can cause birth defects.

The drug used for metastatic liposarcoma or leiomyosarcoma is trabectedin (Yondelis), an alkylating drug. There are no animal data, but the drug’s mechanism of action suggests that it can cause fetal harm. Cobimetinib (Cotellic), a kinase inhibitor, is indicated for the treatment of metastatic melanoma in combination with vemurafenib, another kinase inhibitor. The animal data and mechanism of action suggest that the drug could cause fetal harm.

There are four new agents for the treatment of multiple myeloma: panobinostat (Farydak), daratumumab (Darzalex), elotuzumab (Empliciti), and ixazomib (Ninlaro). Panobinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, is combined with bortezomib (a proteasome inhibitor) and dexamethasone. The animal data suggest risk. The manufacturer recommends effective contraception while taking the drug and for at least 1 month after the last dose. Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody. There are no animal data, but based on its mechanism of action, the drug may cause fetal myeloid or lymphoid-cell depletion and decreased bone density. The immunostimulatory antibody elotuzumab is given in combination with lenalidomide, an analog of thalidomide, and dexamethasone. There are no pregnancy data in animals or humans with lenalidomide, but this agent is contraindicated in pregnancy because of its relationship to thalidomide. Ixazomib, a proteasome inhibitor, is also given in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, so the concerns are the same.

A new drug for thyroid cancer is lenvatinib (Lenvima), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The animal data suggest risk.

Antipsychotics

The two atypical antipsychotics are brexpiprazole (Rexulti) and cariprazine (Vraylar). Both drugs are included in National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. Information concerning the registry can be obtained by calling 1-866-961-2388 or at http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/.

Brexpiprazole is indicated for use as an adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder and for the treatment of schizophrenia. The animal data suggest low risk. Cariprazine is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and for the treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. The animal data suggest moderate risk.

Antiviral

Daclatasvir (Daklinza) is an antiviral agent indicated for use with sofosbuvir, with or without ribavirin, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 or 3 infection. The animal data suggest low risk but, if ribavirin is used, the combination is contraindicated.

Bile acid

There are two new bile acid products. Cholic acid (Cholbam), is indicated for the treatment of bile acid synthesis disorders due to single enzyme defects and for peroxisomal disorders, including Zellweger spectrum disorders. Although studies in pregnant women or animals have not been conducted, the manufacturer is aware of some case reports that resulted in healthy infants.

Deoxycholic acid (Kybella) is a cytolytic agent that is indicated for improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe convexity or fullness associated with submental fat in adults. The drug caused no fetal harm in rats but did in rabbits, which may have been due to maternal toxicity.

Cardiovascular agents

There are two new cardiovascular agents. Ivabradine (Corlanor) is a hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel blocker that is indicated to reduce the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure. The animal data suggest risk. A 2001 case report described the use of the drug in a pregnant woman. She suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest in her 10th week of pregnancy and was successfully treated with several drugs, including ivabradine. Ivabradine was stopped 1 month later. She gave birth at term to a normal healthy male infant.

Entresto is a combination of sacubitril, a neprilysin inhibitor, and valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker. The combination is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. There is ample evidence that exposure to valsartan in the second half of pregnancy can cause severe fetal/neonatal toxicity including death.

Sexual dysfunction

Flibanserin (Addyi) is indicated for the treatment of premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder. The animal data suggest moderate risk. The simultaneous use of alcohol increases the risk of severe hypotension and syncope. The drug is available only through a restricted program called the Addyi REMS Program.

Immunomodulator

The new immunomodulator is secukinumab (Cosentyx). It is a human interleukin-17A antagonist indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy of phototherapy, adults with psoriatic arthritis, and adults with active ankylosing spondylitis. The animal data suggest low risk.

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency treatment

Sebelipase (Kanuma) is a lysosomal cholesteryl ester and triacylglycerol-specific enzyme that is indicated for the treatment of lysosomal acid lipase deficiency. The animal data suggest low risk.

Parathyroid hormone

Parathyroid hormone (Natpara) is used as an adjunct to calcium and vitamin D to control hypocalcemia in patients with hypoparathryoidism. The animal data in one species suggest moderate risk. Moreover, because of the risk of osteosarcoma, the drug should be used only in patients who cannot be well controlled on calcium and active forms of vitamin D alone.

Pyrimidine analog

Uridine (Xuriden) is a pyrimidine analog for uridine replacement. It is indicated for the treatment of hereditary orotic aciduria. The animal data suggest low risk.

Respiratory agents

The two respiratory agents are mepolizumab (Nucala) and selexipag (Uptravi). Mepolizumab is an interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody. It is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of patients with severe asthma aged 12 years and older and with an eosinophilic phenotype. The animal data suggest low risk. Selexipag is a prostacyclin receptor agonist that is used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension to delay disease progression and reduce the risk of hospitalization. The animal data suggest low risk.

Lactation

Use of the above drugs during human lactation has not been reported. It is likely that many of these agents will be excreted into breast milk. If a new agent is being taken by a woman who is or will be breastfeeding, the drug’s product information should be checked for the most common adverse reactions noted in nonpregnant patients and the nursing infant should be monitored for these effects.

Mr. Briggs is clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and Washington State University, Spokane. He is coauthor of “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation,” and coeditor of “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He has no relevant financial disclosures.

The Food and Drug Administration approved 45 new drugs in 2015. Currently, lesinurad (Zurampic) to treat high blood uric levels associated with gout, is not yet available. Another agent, aripiprazole (Aristada) for the treatment of schizophrenia, was initially approved in 2004 and is included in “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation,” 10th ed. (Philadelphia: Walters Kluwer: 2014, pp. 83-5).

There are three new multidrug combinations. Ceftazidime-avibactam (Avycaz) is indicated for complicated intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis, when there are limited or no alternative treatment options. Lumacaftor-ivacaftor (Orkambi) is used to treat cystic fibrosis. There are no human pregnancy data for these two combination products but, based on animal data, they can be classified as low risk (no developmental toxicity in two or more animal species). There also is a four-drug combination that is a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infections: elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (Genvoya). There is one reference citing the use of this combination drug in human pregnancy. It resulted in a healthy full-term infant. Because of its indication, this drug product should not be withheld because of pregnancy.

Asfotase (Strensiq) is a tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. It is indicated for the treatment of perinatal/infantile and juvenile-onset hypophosphatasia. The animal data suggest low risk but it is doubtful that this drug will be used in pregnancy. In studies conducted by the manufacturer, the oldest patient age was 12.6 years.

Dinutuximab (Unituxin) is indicated for the treatment of neuroblastoma, an extracranial solid cancer that occurs in children. There are no studies in pregnant animals or humans.

The remaining 38 agents can be classified into the following categories: anticoagulant (2), antidiarrheal (1), antidiabetic (1), antidote (3), antiemetic (1), antifungal (1), antilipemic (2), antineoplastic (13), antipsychotic (2), antiviral (1), bile acid (2), cardiovascular (2), female sexual dysfunction (1), immunomodulator (1), lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (1), parathyroid hormone (1), pyrimidine analog (1), and respiratory (2).

Only two (cholic acid and ivabradine) of these 38 drugs have any human pregnancy data. Thus, the embryo-fetal risk has to be estimated using only animal data. However, an analysis of 1,154 drugs found that animal data raised the possibility of human developmental toxicity in 311 drugs, which was eventually confirmed in 75 drugs (Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Dec;213[6]:810-5). Nevertheless, in some cases the maternal benefit will outweigh the risk based on animal data.

Anticoagulants

The two anticoagulants are cangrelor (Kengreal), indicated as an adjunct to percutaneous coronary intervention to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, and edoxaban (Savaysa), to reduce the risk of stroke and embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Although the animal data for cangrelor suggest moderate risk (developmental toxicity in one animal species), the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the risk. The animal data for edoxaban suggest low risk.

Antidiarrheal

Eluxadoline (Viberzi) is indicated for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. The animal data suggest low risk.

Antidiabetic

The animal data also suggest low risk for insulin degludec (Tresiba), a long-acting human insulin analog.

Antidote

Sugammadex (Bridion), an antidote, is indicated for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium and vecuronium in adults undergoing surgery. The animal data suggest risk (developmental toxicity in two or more animal species). Another antidote, idarucizumab (Praxbind) is a humanized monoclonal antibody fragment. It is indicated to reverse the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. If indicated, the drug should not be withheld because of pregnancy. The third antidote is patiromer (Veltassa). It is a potassium binder used for the treatment of hyperkalemia. It should not be used for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action. It is not absorbed systemically. Because it can bind other drugs in the gut, other oral medications should be given at least 6 hours before or after patiromer.

Antiemetic

©moodboard/Thinkstock

The antiemetic drug rolapitant (Varubi) is used, in combination with other antiemetics, for patients receiving antineoplastics. Animal data suggest moderate risk.

Antifungal

The triazole antifungal, isavuconazonium (Cresemba) is used for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis or invasive mucormycosis. Low doses of the drug caused perinatal death and skeletal defects in rats, similar to other azole antifungal agents.

Antilipemic agents

There are two antilipemic agents; alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha). Alirocumab, a monoclonal antibody, is combined with statin therapy. Statins are contraindicated in pregnancy because interruption of cholesterol-lowering therapy during pregnancy should have no effect on the long-term treatment of hyperlipidemia and there is potential for embryo-fetal risk. Thus, alirocumab is also contraindicated during pregnancy. The same reasoning applies to evolocumab, an immunoglobulin, that is also given with statins.

Antineoplastic

There are 13 new antineoplastic agents that are often combined with other agents. They all can be classified as contraindicated in pregnancy, but the maternal benefit has to be weighed against the potential for embryo-fetal harm. Moreover, they are usually indicated when older drugs and treatments have not been effective. If the drug must be used in pregnancy, avoiding the first trimester should be a priority.

Sonidegib (Odomzo) is used for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. The new agent for breast cancer is palbociclib (Ibrance). It is combined with letrozole, an antineoplastic that has caused spontaneous abortions and birth defects. A combination drug indicated for metastatic colorectal cancer is trifluridine/tipiracil (Lonsurf).

There are three new drugs that are indicated for non–small-cell lung cancer: alectinib (Alecensa), necitumumab (Portrazza), and osimertinib (Tagrisso). Alectinib and osimertinib are kinase inhibitors, whereas necitumumab is a epidermal growth factor receptor antagonist. The latter agent is a first-line drug that is combined with gemcitabine and cisplatin, both of which can cause birth defects.

The drug used for metastatic liposarcoma or leiomyosarcoma is trabectedin (Yondelis), an alkylating drug. There are no animal data, but the drug’s mechanism of action suggests that it can cause fetal harm. Cobimetinib (Cotellic), a kinase inhibitor, is indicated for the treatment of metastatic melanoma in combination with vemurafenib, another kinase inhibitor. The animal data and mechanism of action suggest that the drug could cause fetal harm.

There are four new agents for the treatment of multiple myeloma: panobinostat (Farydak), daratumumab (Darzalex), elotuzumab (Empliciti), and ixazomib (Ninlaro). Panobinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, is combined with bortezomib (a proteasome inhibitor) and dexamethasone. The animal data suggest risk. The manufacturer recommends effective contraception while taking the drug and for at least 1 month after the last dose. Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody. There are no animal data, but based on its mechanism of action, the drug may cause fetal myeloid or lymphoid-cell depletion and decreased bone density. The immunostimulatory antibody elotuzumab is given in combination with lenalidomide, an analog of thalidomide, and dexamethasone. There are no pregnancy data in animals or humans with lenalidomide, but this agent is contraindicated in pregnancy because of its relationship to thalidomide. Ixazomib, a proteasome inhibitor, is also given in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, so the concerns are the same.

A new drug for thyroid cancer is lenvatinib (Lenvima), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The animal data suggest risk.

Antipsychotics

The two atypical antipsychotics are brexpiprazole (Rexulti) and cariprazine (Vraylar). Both drugs are included in National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. Information concerning the registry can be obtained by calling 1-866-961-2388 or at http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/.

Brexpiprazole is indicated for use as an adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder and for the treatment of schizophrenia. The animal data suggest low risk. Cariprazine is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and for the treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. The animal data suggest moderate risk.

Antiviral

Daclatasvir (Daklinza) is an antiviral agent indicated for use with sofosbuvir, with or without ribavirin, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 or 3 infection. The animal data suggest low risk but, if ribavirin is used, the combination is contraindicated.

Bile acid

There are two new bile acid products. Cholic acid (Cholbam), is indicated for the treatment of bile acid synthesis disorders due to single enzyme defects and for peroxisomal disorders, including Zellweger spectrum disorders. Although studies in pregnant women or animals have not been conducted, the manufacturer is aware of some case reports that resulted in healthy infants.

Deoxycholic acid (Kybella) is a cytolytic agent that is indicated for improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe convexity or fullness associated with submental fat in adults. The drug caused no fetal harm in rats but did in rabbits, which may have been due to maternal toxicity.

Cardiovascular agents

There are two new cardiovascular agents. Ivabradine (Corlanor) is a hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel blocker that is indicated to reduce the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure. The animal data suggest risk. A 2001 case report described the use of the drug in a pregnant woman. She suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest in her 10th week of pregnancy and was successfully treated with several drugs, including ivabradine. Ivabradine was stopped 1 month later. She gave birth at term to a normal healthy male infant.

Entresto is a combination of sacubitril, a neprilysin inhibitor, and valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker. The combination is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. There is ample evidence that exposure to valsartan in the second half of pregnancy can cause severe fetal/neonatal toxicity including death.

Sexual dysfunction

Flibanserin (Addyi) is indicated for the treatment of premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder. The animal data suggest moderate risk. The simultaneous use of alcohol increases the risk of severe hypotension and syncope. The drug is available only through a restricted program called the Addyi REMS Program.

Immunomodulator

The new immunomodulator is secukinumab (Cosentyx). It is a human interleukin-17A antagonist indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy of phototherapy, adults with psoriatic arthritis, and adults with active ankylosing spondylitis. The animal data suggest low risk.

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency treatment

Sebelipase (Kanuma) is a lysosomal cholesteryl ester and triacylglycerol-specific enzyme that is indicated for the treatment of lysosomal acid lipase deficiency. The animal data suggest low risk.

Parathyroid hormone

Parathyroid hormone (Natpara) is used as an adjunct to calcium and vitamin D to control hypocalcemia in patients with hypoparathryoidism. The animal data in one species suggest moderate risk. Moreover, because of the risk of osteosarcoma, the drug should be used only in patients who cannot be well controlled on calcium and active forms of vitamin D alone.

Pyrimidine analog

Uridine (Xuriden) is a pyrimidine analog for uridine replacement. It is indicated for the treatment of hereditary orotic aciduria. The animal data suggest low risk.

Respiratory agents

The two respiratory agents are mepolizumab (Nucala) and selexipag (Uptravi). Mepolizumab is an interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody. It is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of patients with severe asthma aged 12 years and older and with an eosinophilic phenotype. The animal data suggest low risk. Selexipag is a prostacyclin receptor agonist that is used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension to delay disease progression and reduce the risk of hospitalization. The animal data suggest low risk.

Lactation

Use of the above drugs during human lactation has not been reported. It is likely that many of these agents will be excreted into breast milk. If a new agent is being taken by a woman who is or will be breastfeeding, the drug’s product information should be checked for the most common adverse reactions noted in nonpregnant patients and the nursing infant should be monitored for these effects.

Mr. Briggs is clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and Washington State University, Spokane. He is coauthor of “Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation,” and coeditor of “Diseases, Complications, and Drug Therapy in Obstetrics.” He has no relevant financial disclosures.