Allegra-D and Pregnancy

There is a possibility of developing certain side effects or complications while using Allegra-D, and pregnancy problems are a potential risk. Although the medicine has not been studied in pregnant humans, animal studies show evidence of potential harm that could be done to the fetus. Allegra-D is considered a pregnancy category C medicine, which means it should only be prescribed if a healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child.

Allegra-D Medicine

Is Allegra-D Safe During Pregnancy? -- An Overview

Allegra-D^® (fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine) is considered a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that it has not been studied in pregnant women. However, when studied in pregnant animals, the medicines within Allegra-D were shown to potentially cause harm to the unborn child.

During testing with animals, Allegra^® (fexofenadine) did not show any potential for birth defects. Allegra did, however, cause a slowing in fetal weight gain with doses significantly greater than the recommended amounts. It is important to note, however, that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do.

Allegra-D 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 women but show side effects to the fetus in animal studies. A pregnancy C category medicine may still be given to pregnant women if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Allegra-D, let your healthcare provider know. Your healthcare provider will consider both the benefits and risks of Allegra-D during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation. It is possible that he or she may recommend switching to an allergy medicine that is a pregnancy Category B medicine, such as Zyrtec^® (cetirizine).