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Naltrexone Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Depade, Revia, Vivitrol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 9, 2024.

Naltrexone Pregnancy Warnings

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: C

Animal studies showed increased early fetal loss at 2 to 11 times the human dose; no teratogenicity was seen when given during organogenesis at doses 14 to 175 times the human dose. Rats do not form the major human metabolite (6-beta-naltrexol) in appreciable quantities, so the reproductive toxicity of this metabolite is unknown. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

AU TGA pregnancy category B3: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans.

US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

See references

Naltrexone Breastfeeding Warnings

A decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-Animal studies showed a potential for tumorigenicity.

See references

References for pregnancy information

  1. (2018) "Product Information. Vivitrol (naltrexone)." Alkermes, Inc
  2. (2018) "Product Information. Naltrexone Hydrochloride (naltrexone)." Accord Biopharma Inc

References for breastfeeding information

  1. (2018) "Product Information. Vivitrol (naltrexone)." Alkermes, Inc

Further information

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