Humalog and Pregnancy

Clinical studies on Humalog (insulin lispro) and pregnancy show that the medication is safe for use in pregnant animals. The medication has not been studied in pregnant humans, however, so it is not known whether it crosses the placenta. If you are using Humalog and pregnancy occurs, your healthcare provider will weigh the benefits and potential risks before making a recommendation for your particular situation.

 

Using Humalog During Pregnancy: An Overview

Humalog® (insulin lispro) is a prescription diabetes medication used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is a rapid-acting form of insulin, used to control blood sugar after meals. Generally, Humalog is considered safe for use during pregnancy.
 

Humalog and Pregnancy Category B

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 B is given to medicines that have not been adequately studied in pregnant humans but that do not appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies.
 
Animal studies suggest that Humalog is safe for use during pregnancy. However, the drug has not been adequately studied in pregnant women. Although it was thought that insulins do not cross the placenta, it is now known that some insulins, in some circumstances, may cross the placenta.
 
Both high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can be dangerous to the fetus during pregnancy. Therefore, good blood sugar control is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Be sure to seek early prenatal care; as a pregnant woman with diabetes, you will likely require more care than the average pregnant woman.
 

Humalog and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

If you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Humalog, let your healthcare provider know.
 He or she will consider the benefits and risks of taking the drug during pregnancy before making a recommendation in your particular situation. If you are already taking Humalog and plan to continue taking it during pregnancy, you should be aware that pregnancy usually affects your insulin requirements.
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;