Topical calcipotriene may be safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. Factors such as the form you use or the condition being treated may determine whether you should use the drug during this time.
If you may be or can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether topical calcipotriene is a safe option for you.
It’s not known if topical calcipotriene is safe to take during pregnancy.
Topical calcipotriene may raise calcium levels in the body, a condition called hypercalcemia. While this effect is usually mild and reversible, high calcium levels can sometimes affect the body’s usual functions. If you’re pregnant, your doctor may check your calcium levels if you’re using this medication to ensure they stay within a safe range.
Animal studies showed a risk of bone abnormalities in the offspring of mothers who were given calcipotriene by mouth during pregnancy. But this doesn’t predict whether there’s a risk with the topical form of the drug. And animal studies don’t always reflect what will happen in humans.
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before starting treatment with topical calcipotriene. They can review the risks and benefits of using this drug for your condition.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to understand the effects that topical calcipotriene could have on you or the child who’s breastfed.
It’s not known whether it’s safe to use topical calcipotriene while breastfeeding. It’s not known whether the drug passes into breast milk or whether it could cause side effects in a breastfed child.
Calcipotriene has not been studied in newborns or young children. Babies and infants have more sensitive skin and absorb medications differently than adults. If you’re breastfeeding, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after applying the medication. And avoid applying the medication near areas where your baby may come into contact with it, such as your chest.
If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before using calcipotriene.
If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, it’s important to consider how topical calcipotriene could affect your birth control options.
It’s not known if topical calcipotriene is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using topical calcipotriene.
There’s no evidence that topical calcipotriene affects fertility. In animal studies, calcipotriene did not cause problems with reproduction or fertility. However, since there are no human studies on this topic, it’s always best to discuss your family planning concerns with your doctor.
For more information about using topical calcipotriene during pregnancy, see the “Pregnancy and topical calcipotriene” section.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
