Lodosyn and Pregnancy

In studies on Lodosyn (carbidopa) and pregnancy, the drug did not appear to cause any problems when it was given to pregnant animals. However, it is important to note that Lodosyn is always taken in combination with levodopa, a drug that has been shown to cause problems during pregnancy. If you are taking Lodosyn and pregnancy occurs, notify your healthcare provider immediately.

 

Lodosyn and Pregnancy: An Overview

Lodosyn® (carbidopa) is a prescription medication approved to treat Parkinson's disease and Parkinson-like symptoms due to other causes. Although Lodosyn does not appear to cause any problems during pregnancy in animal studies, Lodosyn is always combined with levodopa, another medication that has been shown to cause problems.
 

Lodosyn and Pregnancy Category C

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 C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but that do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. Also, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a pregnancy Category C rating.
 
Lodosyn was given a Category C rating because it is always used in combination with levodopa. Lodosyn itself does not appear to cause problems during pregnancy, at least in animal studies. Levodopa, however, does cause problems. When given to pregnant rats, levodopa decreased the number of live pups born. When given to pregnant rabbits, levodopa increased the risk of various birth defects.
 
Animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category C medicine may be given to a pregnant woman if her healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;