Drug safety update. Pregabalin (Lyrica): findings of safety study on risks during pregnancy

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has issued a drug safety update following the findings of a safety study on the use of pregabalin during pregnancy.

An observational study of more than 2,700 pregnancies exposed to pregabalin has shown use in the first trimester to be associated with a slightly increased risk of major congenital malformations compared with exposure to no antiepileptic drugs or to lamotrigine or to duloxetine. Patients should continue to use effective contraception during treatment and avoid use in pregnancy unless clearly necessary.

Advice for healthcare professionals, further details and information on the study can be found on the MHRA website