Detrol LA and Pregnancy

It is unknown whether it is safe for pregnant women to take Detrol LA. Pregnancy problems were seen when the drug was given to animals. In these studies, the medication caused birth defects, low fetal weight, and miscarriages when it was given to mice. If you are taking Detrol LA and pregnancy occurs, your healthcare provider will continue to prescribe it only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

 

Is Detrol LA Safe During Pregnancy?

Detrol® LA (tolterodine ER) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of an overactive bladder. It may not be safe for use in pregnant women. In studies, Detrol LA caused problems in pregnant animals.
 

Detrol LA and Pregnancy Category C

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 that 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.
 
When given to mice in very high dosages, Detrol LA increased the risk of miscarriages, low fetal weight, and birth defects. When high doses of Detrol LA were given to pregnant rabbits, no problems occurred. No studies have evaluated the drug in pregnant women.
 
It is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. A pregnancy Category C medicine may be given to a pregnant woman if her healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
 

Detrol LA and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Detrol LA. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of using Detrol LA during pregnancy before making a recommendation in your particular situation.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;