Tenuate and pregnancy could potentially be a dangerous combination. Although the weight loss drug does not appear to cause miscarriages or birth defects, it can cause withdrawal symptoms in a newborn, since it is chemically related to amphetamines. If you are taking Tenuate and pregnancy occurs, talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and potential risks of using the medication.
Tenuate and Pregnancy: An Overview
Tenuate® (
diethylpropion hydrochloride) is a prescription weight loss aid. It should never be used in pregnant women, since it is similar to amphetamines.
Tenuate and Pregnancy Category B
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category B is given to medicines that have not been adequately studied in pregnant humans but that do not appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies.
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category B medicine should be given to a pregnant woman only if a healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child. Even though Tenuate does not appear to cause miscarriages or birth defects, it can cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn, since the drug is chemically related to amphetamines.
Tenuate and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts
If you are pregnant, it is always a good idea to ask your healthcare provider before taking any medication. Tenuate should never be taken during pregnancy. If you are concerned about your weight during pregnancy, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print