This sheet is about exposure to azelastine in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.

What is azelastine?

Azelastine is an antihistamine. It is commonly used to treat allergy symptoms. It comes as a nasal spray (intranasal) to treat symptoms such as runny, itchy, and stuffy nose, and sneezing. The nasal spray is sold under the brand name Astelin®. Azelastine also comes in eye drop form to treat itchy eyes due to allergies. The eye drops are sold under the brand name Optivar®.

Sometimes when women find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take this medication. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy.

I take azelastine. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

Studies have not been done in humans to see if azelastine can make it harder to get pregnant. Animal studies have shown no impact on female fertility in rats when azelastine was used by mouth (orally) at levels up to 150 times the maximum recommended human daily intranasal (by nose) dose in adults.

Does taking azelastine increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Studies have not been done to see if azelastine increases the chance of miscarriage.

Does taking azelastine increase the chance of birth defects?

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at published data to try to understand if an exposure, like azelastine, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy.

Studies have not been done in humans to see if azelastine could increase the chance of having a pregnancy with a birth defect. Animal studies that used doses of azelastine similar to doses used in humans have not shown an increased chance of birth defects.

Does taking azelastine in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?

Studies have not been done to see if azelastine increases the chance of pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).

Does taking azelastine in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?

Studies have not been done to see if azelastine can cause behavior or learning issues for the child.

Breastfeeding while taking azelastine:

Azelastine has not been studied for use with breastfeeding.

When used in eye drop form, the amount of the azelastine absorbed would likely be low and is not expected to cause problems in breastfed infants.

When used as directed for a few days, azelastine nasal spray would also not be expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Because azelastine tastes bitter, the baby may reject breastfeeding. If the nasal spray is used in larger doses or for more than a few days, it may cause drowsiness in the infant. It might also lower milk supply, especially when used with a medication called pseudoephedrine or if started before breastmilk supply is well established. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (such as drowsiness), contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all of your breastfeeding questions.

If a man takes azelastine, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

Studies have not been done to see if azelastine could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get partner pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects in a partner. Animal studies have shown no change in male fertility when azelastine was used by mouth (orally) at levels up to 150 times the maximum recommended human daily intranasal dose in adults. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase the risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

Please click here to view references.

This sheet is about exposure to alirocumab in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information is based on available published literature. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.

What is alirocumab?

Alirocumab is a medication that has been used to lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. It has been used to treat a specific type of inherited high cholesterol called familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and for people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). A brand name for alirocumab is Praluent®.

Sometimes when women find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take your medication. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy. For more information about high cholesterol in pregnancy, please see our fact sheet at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/high-cholesterol/.

I take alirocumab. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

Studies have not been done to see if alirocumab can make it harder to get pregnant.

Does taking alirocumab increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Data from one study suggests alirocumab is not expected to increase the chance of miscarriage.

Does taking alirocumab increase the chance of birth defects?

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. Data from animal studies does not suggest that alirocumab can increase the chance of birth defects.

Studies have not been done in humans to see if alirocumab can increase the chance of birth defects. There is one report of a woman who took alirocumab along with two other medications until the 6th week of pregnancy and gave birth to a baby with absence of the corpus callosum (where the nerves connecting the two sides of the brain are missing). The authors stated it is unlikely that the use of alirocumab caused this condition.

Very little alirocumab is expected to cross the placenta and reach the developing pregnancy during the first trimester (when many of the fetal organs and body structures are forming). More of the medication can cross the placenta starting in the second trimester.

Does taking alirocumab in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?

Studies have not been done to see if alirocumab can increase the chance of pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).

Does taking alirocumab in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?

Studies have not been done to see if alirocumab can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child.

Breastfeeding while taking alirocumab:

Alirocumab is a large protein and little of the medication is expected to pass into breast milk. Alirocumab is not well absorbed from the intestines (gut) when swallowed so any medication that would get into breast milk is unlikely to enter the baby’s bloodstream. If you suspect the baby has any symptoms (such as fever or frequent infections), contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

If a man takes alirocumab, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

Studies have not been done to see if alirocumab could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects. Having high cholesterol might lower the ability to get a woman pregnant. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

Please click here for references.

This sheet is about exposure to guaifenesin in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information is based on available published research. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.

What is guaifenesin?

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. Expectorants are used to thin and loosen mucus in the throat and lungs. This makes it easier to cough up and remove the mucus from the body. Guaifenesin can be found in many different products. A common brand name is Mucinex®. Guaifenesin is also found in combination with other medication in over-the-counter cough and cold preparations.

Sometimes when women find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take this medication. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy.

I take guaifenesin. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

Based on the studies reviewed, guaifenesin is not expected to make it harder to get pregnant.

Does taking guaifenesin increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. It is not known if guaifenesin increases the chance of miscarriage.

Does taking guaifenesin increase the chance of birth defects?

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like guaifenesin, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy.

Guaifenesin is not expected to greatly increase the chance of birth defects. There are a few studies that suggest an increased chance of some birth defects. However, most available information suggests that if guaifenesin does increase the chance of birth defects, that increase is expected to be low.

Does taking guaifenesin in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?

Studies have not been done to see if guaifenesin can increase the chance for pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth.

Does taking guaifenesin in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?

Studies have not been done to see if guaifenesin can cause behavior or learning issues for the child.

Breastfeeding while taking guaifenesin:

The use of guaifenesin while breastfeeding has not been studied. It is not known if guaifenesin passes into breastmilk or what effect (if any) it could have on a child that is nursing. According to the product label, when used as directed, guaifenesin is not expected to cause side effects in a child that is nursing. If a product containing guaifenesin is used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it should be alcohol-free. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

If a man takes guaifenesin, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?

It is not known if guaifenesin could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk. There is a case report in which improvement in sperm count and movement (motility) was noted after treatment with guaifenesin. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

Please click here for references.

This sheet is about exposure to fexofenadine in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information is based on published research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare providers. 

What is fexofenadine? 

Fexofenadine is an over-the-counter antihistamine that has been used to treat and prevent allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itching, and hives. A brand name for fexofenadine is Allegra®. 

Sometimes when women find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take your medication. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy. 

I take fexofenadine. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant? 

Studies have not been done in humans to see if taking fexofenadine can make it harder to get pregnant. Animal studies have not shown that taking fexofenadine would affect fertility (ability to get pregnant).    

Does taking fexofenadine increase the chance of miscarriage? 

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. One study that compared the use of fexofenadine to other common allergy medications during pregnancy found no difference in the chance of miscarriage in those who took fexofenadine.   

Does taking fexofenadine increase the chance of birth defects?  

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like fexofenadine, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy. Studies on fexofenadine have not found an increased chance of birth defects.  

Does taking fexofenadine in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems? 

A study that compared the use of fexofenadine to other similar antihistamines did not find an increased chance for other pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).  

Does taking fexofenadine in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child? 

Studies have not been done to see if fexofenadine can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. 

Breastfeeding while taking fexofenadine: 

Fexofenadine passes into breastmilk in small amounts. This amount is likely too low to cause problems for the baby. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions. 

If a man takes fexofenadine, could it affect his fertility or increase the chance of birth defects? 

Studies have not been done to see if fexofenadine could affect a man’s fertility (ability to get a woman pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/. 

Please click here for references.

This sheet is about exposure to pseudoephedrine in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information is based on published research studies. It should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. 

What is pseudoephedrine? 

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that has been used to treat nasal congestion (“stuffy nose”) caused by colds or allergies. Pseudoephedrine can be combined with other ingredients to help treat symptoms that may come with a cold or allergies. Pseudoephedrine has been sold under many different brand names, such as Biofed®, Cenafed®, Sudafed®, Nexafed®, and Zephrex®. 

Sometimes when women find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. However, it is important to talk with your healthcare providers before making any changes to how you take your medication. Your healthcare providers can talk with you about the benefits of treating your condition and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy. 

The drug label recommends talking with your healthcare provider before using this medication while pregnant. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) does not recommend the use of pseudoephedrine for the first 3 months of pregnancy.  

I take pseudoephedrine. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?  

It is not known if pseudoephedrine could make it harder to get pregnant. 

Does taking pseudoephedrine increase the chance of miscarriage?  

Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Studies have not been done to see if pseudoephedrine can increase the chance of miscarriage. 

Does taking pseudoephedrine increase the chance of birth defects?  

Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like pseudoephedrine, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy.  

Most studies looking at the use of pseudoephedrine in pregnancy have not found an increased chance of birth defects. Some studies have found a small increased chance of specific birth defects, such as gastroschisis (an opening in the baby’s abdominal wall), small intestinal atresia (part of the small intestine is not fully developed) and hemifacial microsomia (part of the face is smaller than usual). If there is an increased chance of these birth defects, it is thought to be small. 

Does taking pseudoephedrine in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems? 

It is not known if pseudoephedrine can increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).  

Does taking pseudoephedrine in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?   

Studies have not been done to see if pseudoephedrine can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child.  

Breastfeeding while taking pseudoephedrine: 

At recommended doses, only a small amount of pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk. In most cases, pseudoephedrine is not expected to cause side effects in nursing infants. A few cases of irritability have been reported. If you suspect the child has any symptoms (irritability, trouble with sleeping, tremors, trouble with feeding, or trouble with weight gain) contact the child’s healthcare provider.  

Pseudoephedrine might lower the amount of milk that your body makes. If you notice a decrease in your milk supply, talk with your healthcare provider or a lactation specialist.  

The drug label recommends talking with your healthcare provider before using this medication while breastfeeding.  Your healthcare provider can talk with you about using pseudoephedrine and what treatment is best for you. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.  

If a man takes pseudoephedrine, could it affect his fertility or increase the chance of birth defects? 

Studies have not been done to see if pseudoephedrine could affect male fertility (ability to make healthy sperm) or increase the chance of birth defects. In general, exposures that men have are unlikely to increase the risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.  

Please click here for references.