Didrex and Pregnancy

Although no human or animal studies have been done on Didrex and pregnancy, women who are pregnant should never use the medication because Didrex is very similar to amphetamines (which can cause birth defects and miscarriages). Therefore, the FDA has classified Didrex as a pregnancy Category X medication, meaning it should not be taken during pregnancy.

 

An Overview of Didrex and Pregnancy

Didrex® (benzphetamine hydrochloride) is a prescription weight-loss aid. Didrex should never be used in pregnant women because it is very similar to amphetamines.
 

Didrex and Pregnancy Category X

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category X is given to medicines that show problems to the fetus in animal studies or in humans who have mistakenly taken the medicine.
 
Didrex was given a pregnancy Category X rating because it is closely related to amphetamines, a group of medications that can cause birth defects and miscarriages. Also, there is no legitimate reason why Didrex should be used during pregnancy, as the risks of Didrex greatly outweigh the benefits (and because weight loss can be achieved through safer means). Didrex has never been studied in any pregnant women or even animals.
 

Didrex and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

If you are pregnant, it is always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication. Didrex should never be taken during pregnancy. If you are concerned about your weight during pregnancy, please discuss this with your healthcare provider.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;