Osteoporosis Home > Forteo and Pregnancy

Forteo and Pregnancy: An Overview

Forteo™ (teriparatide) is a prescription osteoporosis medication. Forteo may not be safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not currently known. Studies in pregnant animals have suggested that the drug may cause problems when used during pregnancy.

 

Forteo and Pregnancy Category C

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 C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but that 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.

 

When given to pregnant mice, Forteo increased the risk of bone problems (such as extra ribs or vertebrae) in the offspring. When given to pregnant rats, the drug caused slow growth in the newborn rats. However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category C medicine may be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.

  

Forteo and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

If you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Forteo, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of taking Forteo during pregnancy before making a recommendation in your particular situation.