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Famotidine and Pregnancy

While famotidine and pregnancy have not been studied together in humans, animal studies suggest that it likely can be taken during pregnancy without causing any problems. The FDA has classified famotidine as a pregnancy Category B medicine, meaning that a pregnant woman may take it if its benefits outweigh the possible risks to her unborn child. Therefore, if you are taking famotidine and pregnancy occurs, talk with your healthcare provider.

 

Famotidine and Pregnancy: An Overview

Famotidine (Pepcid®, Pepcid AC®, and Pepcid Complete®) is generally considered safe for women to take while pregnant. This conclusion is based on animal studies that looked at the effects of famotidine during pregnancy.
 

Famotidine and Pregnancy Category B

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 B is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but that do not appear cause harm to the fetus in animal studies.
 
However, it is important to note that the full risks of using famotidine during pregnancy are not known. Therefore, a pregnancy Category B medicine may be given to a pregnant woman only if her healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the mother outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
 

Famotidine and Pregnancy: A Summary

If you are taking famotidine and pregnancy occurs, or if you are thinking about becoming pregnant while taking the drug, let your healthcare provider know.
 He or she will consider the benefits and risks of taking famotidine during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
 
(Click Heartburn and Pregnancy for more information treating heartburn while pregnant.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;