Xenical and Pregnancy

Xenical and Pregnancy – An Introduction

Xenical® (orlistat) is a weight loss medication available on prescription that is probably safe to be used in pregnant women. Studies on pregnant animals given Xenical did not result in any problems.

Xenical and Pregnancy – Category B

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) makes use of a system that categorizes drugs according to the likely risks to a fetus when a particular drug is administered during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category B is assigned to drugs that have not been completely studied in the case of pregnant humans but appear not to cause damage to the fetus in the case of studies on animals. Some medications are assigned a Pregnancy Category B that though have resulted in harm in animal studies but have proved to be safe for human use.

In some of the studies, very high Xenical doses were administered to pregnant rabbits and rats, but that did not result in any problems. But, the effects of the medication have not been studied in pregnant women. It is vital to recognize the fact that animals and humans do not necessarily respond to drugs in a similar way. Moreover, the need for weight loss in pregnant woman is not usually recommended. Also, taking Xenical could result in vitamin deficiencies, which is detrimental to the mother as well as the developing fetus.

Xenical and Pregnancy – Summing Up

In case you are pregnant, you should discuss with your doctor prior to taking any drug, which includes prescription medications. You and your doctor are in the best position to consider the benefits and risks of using Xenical and decide if its use in your specific situation is required or consider other alternative weight loss treatments.