Pain and fever medications later in pregnancy could lead to complications, FDA says

(WWTI) — The Food and Drug Administration is warning pregnant women to avoid certain pain and fever medications. The FDA now requires labeling changes for the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to include warning labels for pregnant women.

According to the FDA, certain medications taken by women at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy, have been linked to serious kidney problems in unborn babies. These issues have led to low levels of amniotic fluid and can cause pregnancy-related complications.

“It is important that women understand the benefits and risks of the medications they may take over the course of their pregnancy,” said Acting Director of FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Patrizia Cavazzoni, M.D. “To this end, the agency is using its regulatory authority to inform women and their health care providers about the risks of NSAIDs are used after around 20 weeks of pregnancy and beyond.”

Medications included in the October 15 release include a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and celecoxib. However, the FDA stated that these recommendations do not apply to the use of low-dose aspirin: 81 mg.