Levothroid and Pregnancy

During extensive clinical studies of Levothroid and pregnancy, the medication did not appear to cause harm to the fetus. As a result, the FDA has classified Levothroid as a pregnancy Category A medication, meaning the medication is safe to take during pregnancy. In fact, if you have a thyroid problem, Levothroid can help prevent problems during pregnancy (such as miscarriages).

 

Levothroid and Pregnancy: An Overview

Levothroid® (levothyroxine sodium) is a prescription thyroid medication. The drug is very safe for use during pregnancy, when used appropriately. In fact, if you have a thyroid problem, Levothroid can actually help prevent problems during pregnancy.
 

Levothroid and Pregnancy Category A

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 A is given to medicines that have been extensively studied in pregnant humans and do not appear to cause any harm to the fetus. There are very few medications that have this classification; it is an excellent indication that a medication is safe for use during pregnancy. You can feel confident that Levothroid is one of the safest medications for use in pregnancy (when used appropriately).
 
Because hypothyroidism can cause serious problems (such as miscarriages), it is important to treat an underactive thyroid during pregnancy. This is why most healthcare providers check your thyroid (using a blood test) in early pregnancy, even if you have never had thyroid problems. If you are already taking Levothroid, it is likely that your dose may need to be increased throughout your pregnancy. In fact, your dose may need to be increased as early as four weeks into your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely and adjust your Levothroid dosage as necessary.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;