Prilosec Pregnancy: Is it Safe?
It’s understandable to have concerns about the safety of any medication when pregnant. Prilosec is a common medication for occasional heartburn and indigestion—but is Prilosec safe to take during pregnancy?
First and foremost, you should always consult your doctor before taking any kind of medication while pregnant. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified Prilosec as a pregnancy category C drug. This means that Prilosec has not been proven to be hazardous, so it may or may not be safe to take during pregnancy.
Understanding the Risk
In general, pregnancy category C drugs are known to have potential risks, but the risks are not fully understood. When it comes to taking Prilosec during pregnancy, it’s important to understand:
- Animal studies have shown adverse effects but human studies are lacking. Animal studies largely suggest that Prilosec causes an increased risk of stillbirth and birth defects while pregnant. However, these results haven’t been replicated in human studies.
- Omeprazole could pass through breastmilk. Like many medications, omeprazole, the main active ingredient in Prilosec, may pass through breastmilk. Studies have not yet assessed the potential risks, if any.
It’s important to weigh the potential risks of taking Prilosec versus the inconvenience of not taking Prilosec. You should not take Prilosec if your doctor has prescribed a different medication for occasional heartburn.
Broaching the Subject with Your Doctor
Your doctor knows you and your medical and family history best, so it’s important to bring up any of your concerns in person. Here are topics to discuss with your healthcare provider:
- Alternatives to Prilosec: Ask if there are other medications, lifestyle changes, or home remedies you should use in lieu of Prilosec.
- Timing advice: Ask if Prilosec should be taken at a certain time or any precautions to take while taking Prilosec.
- Safe dosage: Ask your doctor when to take Prilosec, which dosage is safe to use, and for how long.
Ultimately, you and your doctor will need to decide if Prilosec is the best choice for you during pregnancy. Your doctor will take into account your family history and personal health to make the best judgement for your and your baby’s safety.
Summary
- Prilosec (omeprazole) is classified as a pregnancy category C drug.
- Animal studies suggest Prilosec may increase the risk of stillbirth and birth defects.
- There is an unknown risk of Prilosec passing through breastmilk.
- Always consult your doctor before taking any kind of medication while pregnant.
Welcome to my fertility blog. This is a space where I will be sharing my experiences as I navigate through the world of fertility treatments, as well as provide information and resources about fertility and pregnancy.
