How to Remember the FDA Pregnancy Medication Classification
How to remember: A= Absolutely use it. B=Better to use it or benefits outway the risks. C= Cutting too close. Could use it. D= Don’t use it. X= Cross it out. It’s contraindicated.
Category A: Adequate and well-controlled studies have not shown a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
Category B: Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Category D: There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Category X: Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
Resources:
https://chemm.nlm.nih.gov/pregnancycategories.htm