Table 2

Anti-inflammatory medications

Class
Agent
FDA pregnancy category
Adverse effects in human pregnancy
Summary risk assessment

Corticosteroids
Prednisone
C
Oral clefts increased risk (two- to three-fold). Intrauterine growth restriction (dose related)
Based on available data, teratogenic risk for corticosteroids is minimal

Cortisone
D



All others
C


NSAIDs
Celecoxib
C
Ibuprofen associated with increased risk (two- to three-fold) for gastroschisis. NSAIDs associated with increased risk for spontaneous abortion; possible increased risk for cardiac defects; premature closure of the ductus arteriosus with third trimester use
Significant risk for premature closure of the ductus arteriosus and other complications when exposure occurs in late pregnancy; minimal or undetermined risk for structural defects following first trimester exposure

Diclofenac
C



Ketorolac
C



Prixicam
C



All others
B



All NSAIDs in third trimester
D



NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Chambers et al. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2006 8:215   doi:10.1186/ar1977