Meridia and Pregnancy

In general, animal studies involving Meridia and pregnancy did not suggest that Meridia causes problems during pregnancy. However, when very high doses of Meridia were taken, it did cause birth defects and problems in the pregnant animals themselves. Therefore, the FDA has classified Meridia as a pregnancy Category C medication, meaning it may not be safe for use in pregnant women.

 

An Overview of Meridia and Pregnancy

Meridia® (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) is a prescription weight-loss aid that may not be safe for pregnant women. Studies have shown potential problems when Meridia was tested in pregnant animals.
 

Meridia and Pregnancy Category C

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans, but do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. Also, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a pregnancy Category C rating.
 
In general, animal studies did not suggest that Meridia causes problems during pregnancy. However, a few birth defects were seen when extremely high Meridia doses were used during pregnancy (which were high enough doses to also cause problems in the pregnant animals themselves).
 
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines in the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category C medicine may be given to pregnant women if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
 

Meridia and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

If you are pregnant, it is always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication. You and your healthcare provider can consider the possible risks and benefits of using Meridia in your particular situation, as well as any other treatment alternatives.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;