Beconase and Pregnancy

Beconase and Pregnancy: An Overview

Beconase^® AQ (beclomethasone nasal spray) is part of a group of medications known as corticosteroids, and animal studies have shown that taking beclomethasone (the active ingredient in Beconase AQ) can cause problems during pregnancy.

 

Beconase 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 and rabbits, beclomethasone increased the risk of birth defects and miscarriages. In these studies, the drug was given by injection just under the skin.

 

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 her healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.

 

Beconase and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

If you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Beconase AQ, let your healthcare provider know. You should not take the medication if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.