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Emsam and Pregnancy

It may not be safe to take Emsam during pregnancy. In previous animal studies involving Emsam and pregnancy, the medication increased the risk of miscarriages, low fetal weight, and birth defects. Also, when Emsam was given to rats during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the baby rats were less likely to survive. However, Emsam can still be given to a pregnant woman if her healthcare provider believes that the benefits outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.

 

An Overview of Emsam and Pregnancy

For women who are pregnant, Emsam® (selegiline transdermal patch) may not be safe. Emsam is a prescription drug used to treat depression. The medicine is part of a group of medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
 

Emsam and Pregnancy Category C

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy 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. Also, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a pregnancy Category C rating.
 
In animal studies, Emsam increased the risks of miscarriages, low fetal weight, and birth defects. Also, when Emsam was given to rats during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the baby rats were less likely to survive.
 
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines in the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category C medicine may be given to a pregnant woman if her healthcare provider believes that its benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to her unborn child.
 

Recommendations for Using Emsam During Pregnancy

If you are taking Emsam and pregnancy occurs (or you are thinking about becoming pregnant), let your healthcare provider know.
 Your healthcare provider will consider both the benefits and risks of taking Emsam during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;