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Brilinta and Pregnancy
When given to pregnant animals, Brilinta (ticagrelor) caused several problems in the offspring, including bone problems, extra ribs, and delayed gallbladder development. Due to these potential risks, FDA has classified Brilinta as a pregnancy Category C medication. However, it still may be prescribed to a pregnant woman if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Brilinta™ (ticagrelor) is a prescription antiplatelet medication. It is typically used to prevent problems such as heart attacks and strokes in people who have a heart condition known as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Based on the results of animal studies, Brilinta may not be safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are currently unknown.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies.
In addition, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a pregnancy Category C rating.
When given to pregnant animals, Brilinta caused a variety of problems, including but not limited to:
- Extra ribs
- Extra lobes of the liver
- Various bone problems
- Delayed gallbladder development
- Newborn death and growth problems.
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category C drug may be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
It is important to remember that Brilinta can be a life-saving drug and is used in serious situations, such as after a heart attack. The benefits to the mother probably outweigh the risks to the fetus in most situations.
Women who must take Brilinta may be advised to avoid pregnancy for other reasons, particularly if they have had a recent heart attack. All of these issues should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD