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Table 1 Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticosteroids and bisphosphonates on human pregnancy and fertility

From: Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs and reproduction

Drug

FDA riska

Transplacental passage

Human teratogenicity

Fetal/neonatal adverse effects

Long-term effects in offspring

Impairment of fertility

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

B/D

Yes

No

In late pregnancy, constriction of the ductus arteriosus, reduction of renal blood flow

Not studied

Cases of inhibition of follicle rupture

Prednisone

B

Limited

Increase in oral clefts

Rare (cataract, adrenal insufficiency, infection)

Not studied

Not studied

Dexamethasone

C

Yes

Not reportedb

Neurodevelopmental abnormalities

Not studied

Not studied

Betamethasone

C

Yes

Not reportedb

Neurodevelopmental abnormalities ?

Not studied

Not studied

Bisphosphonates

C

Not studied

Not reported

Two cases of hypocalcaemia in the newborn infant

Not studied

Not studied

  1. Details and references are given in the text. aThe United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pregnancy risk categories are as follows: A, no risk in controlled clinical studies in humans; B, human data reassuring or when absent, animal studies show no risk; C, human data are lacking; animal studies show risk or are not done; D, positive evidence of risk, benefit may outweigh; X, contraindicated during pregnancy. bNo indication for maternal use in the first trimester.