The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy 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 do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies.
When given to pregnant rabbits, Geodon caused birth defects, including heart and kidney defects. In rats, Geodon increased the risk of stillbirths and newborn deaths. Since animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do, however, a pregnancy Category C medicine may be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
(Click Geodon and Pregnancy for more information on whether you can take Geodon while pregnant and to find out what you should do if you are taking this medication and pregnancy occurs.)
