Parlodel and Pregnancy

In studies on Parlodel (bromocriptine) and pregnancy, the medication did not cause any problems when it was given to pregnant animals. Since animals do not always respond to drugs the same way that humans do, however, pregnant women should only use Parlodel if the benefits outweigh any potential risks. If you are taking Parlodel and pregnancy occurs, let your healthcare provider know right away.

 

Parlodel During Pregnancy: An Overview

Parlodel® (bromocriptine mesylate) is a prescription medication approved to treat Parkinson's disease, hyperprolactinemia, and acromegaly. Although Parlodel appears to be relatively safe for use during pregnancy, it should only be used if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
 

Parlodel 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 adequately studied in pregnant humans but do not appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies.
 
In general, animal studies did not show any problems when Parlodel was used during pregnancy. Limited information from use in pregnant women also suggests that Parlodel does not cause problems such as miscarriages or birth defects.
 
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category B medicine should be given to a pregnant woman only if a healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
 
(Parlodel and Pregnancy Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;