Asenapine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Saphris, Secuado

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 12, 2024.

Asenapine Pregnancy Warnings

Use is not recommended unless the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

AU TGA pregnancy category: C
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Risk Summary: There are no data to inform of a risk.

Comments:
-Neonates exposed to this drug during the third trimester should be monitored for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery.
-A pregnancy exposure registry is available.

In animal studies, developmental toxicity was observed, but teratogenicity was not demonstrated. Agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, and feeding disorder have been reported in neonates exposed to antipsychotics during the third trimester. As with other drugs that antagonize dopamine D2 receptors, this drug elevates prolactin levels. Hyperprolactinemia may suppress hypothalamic GnRH, resulting in reduced pituitary gonadotropin secretion. This, in turn, may inhibit reproductive function by impairing gonadal -steroidogenesis in both female and male patients. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

To monitor the outcomes of pregnant women exposed to atypical antipsychotics, a National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics has been established. Physicians are encouraged to register patients and pregnant women are encouraged to register themselves. For additional information: https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/atypicalantipsychotic/.

AU TGA pregnancy category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decision and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D and X are being phased out.

See references

Asenapine Breastfeeding Warnings

Breastfeeding is not recommended during use of this drug.

Excreted into human milk: Unknown
Excreted into animal milk: Yes

Comments:
-The effects in the nursing infant are not known.
-The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend the routine use of atypical antipsychotics during lactation due to very limited human experience, but a risk-benefit assessment may indicate that such use is appropriate.

See references

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer