Prempro and Pregnancy

Prempro is considered a pregnancy Category X medication, which means that it should not intentionally be used during pregnancy (as it may cause serious problems). Animal studies on Prempro and pregnancy indicated that the progestin component of the drug could increase the risk of birth defects. If you are using Prempro and pregnancy occurs, contact your healthcare provider.

 

Prempro and Pregnancy: An Overview

Prempro™ (conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone) is a prescription hormone replacement therapy medication. It is not intended for use in pregnant women. There is no accepted medical reason for pregnant women to use Prempro.
 

Prempro and Pregnancy Category X

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 X is given to medications that should not be used during pregnancy, usually due to serious problems that could occur, such as birth defects or miscarriages.
 
Animal studies have suggested that medroxyprogesterone (the progestin in Prempro) may increase the risk of birth defects, although it is not clear if this is also true in humans. Because the risks are not fully understood, and because there is no accepted, legitimate medical reason for pregnant women to use Prempro, it should not be used during pregnancy.
 

Prempro and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

Prempro should not intentionally be used during pregnancy. If you are taking the drug and think you may be pregnant, contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;