What pregnancy category is Keppra?

US FDA pregnancy 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.

What seizure medication is safe during pregnancy?

Of the new anti-seizure medications, lamotrigine and levetiracetam are the most widely used due to their known safety during pregnancy. Clearance of lamotrigine and levetiracetam doubles during pregnancy compared to before pregnancy.

Can Keppra cause miscarriage?

The likelihood of miscarriage and stillbirth has been studied in only relatively small numbers of women taking levetiracetam.

Why is levetiracetam safe in pregnancy?

With respect to MCM, levetiracetam taken in monotherapy can be considered a safer alternative to valproate for women with epilepsy of childbearing age. In utero exposure to first-generation antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has been shown to increase the risk of congenital malformations and cognitive deficits (1).

Is Keppra contraindicated in pregnancy?

A new report from the U.K. and Ireland Epilepsy and Pregnancy Registers suggests that the risk of malformations associated with levetiracetam (LVT, Keppra) use during pregnancy is low.

Can seizure meds cause miscarriage?

Overall the data is reassuring. This large, registry based study suggests that women treated for epilepsy with antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy may not be at increased risk of spontaneous abortion.

Can your baby have seizures in the womb?

Can babies have seizures in the womb? It is thought that foetal seizures, or seizures in the womb, are very rare. They can have many causes and may also be associated with a poor outcome. It is reasonable to assume that a baby who has seizures in the womb will have neurological complications after birth.

Does Keppra cause birth defects?

Recent studies carried out by the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), looking at the risks associated with commonly prescribed AEDs shows that lamotrigine (Lamictal) and levetiracetam (Keppra) are safer to use during pregnancy than other AEDs, having low rates of physical birth abnormalities, in line with the …

What to do if a pregnant woman has a seizure?

Report the seizure promptly to your health care provider. He or she might adjust your medication. If you have a seizure in the last few months of your pregnancy, your health care provider will monitor your baby at the hospital or clinic.

Does seizure medication affect pregnancy?

Medication you take during pregnancy can affect your baby. Birth defects — including cleft palate, neural tube defects, skeletal abnormalities, and congenital heart and urinary tract defects — are a few potential side effects associated with anti-seizure medications.