Pregnancy category of drugs
During pregnancy all drugs are not equally safe. Without prescription of a registered physician, expectant mothers should not take any drug. On the basis of safety profile, drugs used in pregnancy are categorised as category A, B, C, D and X. These are done as per FDA, USA. A- Category drug means they are very safe in pregnancy, tested and trusted drugs. They are tested in human being and in animals and no adverse effect are observed in fetus. B- Category drugs are also safe in pregnancy but not enough data are there like A-Category. C- Category drugs have some side effects on fetus and their uses are restricted. D- Category drugs obviously have more side effects then C-Category, so their uses are more restricted. X-Category drugs are dangerous for fetus. In many countries, pregnancy category of the drugs is being printed on the packet, to make the user aware of the drug. So if a physician uses pregnancy category drugs B, C, D or X in pregnancy, must explain why it has been prescribed and what are the risk for the fetus. In our country pregnancy category of the drugs is not mentioned on the packet and we, most of the physicians are not in a habit of explaining the drugs and its side effects that are prescribed in pregnancy. All the patients has got the right to know about the drugs which are being prescribed for them. I think, it is the sacred duty of the concern physician to explain the side effects of the drugs which are prescribed. We should build up such practice for the betterment of the patients and for the profession. Drug authority can also ask the pharmaceutical companies to mention the pregnancy category of the drugs that they are marketing. Be happy and healthy always. The writer is a Professor of Paediatrics of Community Based Medical College (CBMC), Mymensingh. E-mail: mmukkhan@gmail.com
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