Didronel and Pregnancy: An Overview
Didronel® (
etidronate disodium) is a prescription medication used for certain bone conditions. It may not be safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not known at this time. Animal studies have suggested that Didronel may cause problems when used during pregnancy.
Didronel 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 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 rats, Didronel appeared to cause skeletal abnormalities. Didronel is incorporated into bone (and slowly released from the bone over time), and it is not known whether Didronel will cause problems in newly forming fetal bones in humans.
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 the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
If you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Didronel, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of taking Didronel during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
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