Advair and Pregnancy

Based on what is known about Advair and pregnancy, taking the medication while pregnant could potentially harm the developing fetus. During previous animal studies, Advair caused birth defects and increased the chance of miscarriage when given to pregnant mice. While a healthcare provider may prescribe Advair to a pregnant woman, he or she should do so only after carefully weighing the benefits of the medicine against the risks posed to the unborn child.

Advair Inhaler

Is Advair Safe During Pregnancy?

Advair^® (fluticasone and salmeterol) may not be safe for women who are pregnant. In animal studies that looked at the effects of Advair during pregnancy, the drug caused birth defects and increased the chance of miscarriage.

Advair 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.

Advair was given a pregnancy Category C rating because of potential problems in animal studies. When given to pregnant mice, Advair caused birth defects, including cleft palate and bone problems. Advair also increased the risk of miscarriage.

However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines in the same way that humans do. A pregnancy Category C medicine may be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child. Because medications like Advair can be essential for people with asthma, healthcare providers sometimes recommend that women continue to take Advair during pregnancy.

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