Lantus and Pregnancy

In animal studies on Lantus (insulin glargine) and pregnancy, the medication did not appear to increase the risk of problems. However, it has not been adequately studied in pregnant women, and the full risks of the medication are unknown. If you are taking Lantus and pregnancy occurs, or if you are planning on taking the medication during pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider first.

 

Lantus During Pregnancy: An Overview

Lantus® (insulin glargine) is a prescription diabetes medication used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is a long-acting form of insulin. At this time, it is not clear if Lantus is safe for use during pregnancy. Some healthcare providers are comfortable recommending the drug for pregnant women, while others are not.
  

Lantus 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 "default" pregnancy Category C rating.
 
In animal studies, Lantus was compared to regular human insulin (one of the standard forms of insulin often recommended for pregnant women). The drug did not appear to increase the risk of any problems, compared to regular human insulin. However, Lantus 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.
 
Some healthcare providers are uncomfortable recommending any of the newer insulins that have not been studied in pregnant women, including Lantus. However, many healthcare providers make the logical assumption that the new insulins are just as safe (and usually more convenient) than the older insulins. This is a decision you and your healthcare provider must make together.
 
If you are already taking Lantus and plan to continue taking it during pregnancy, you should be aware that pregnancy usually affects your insulin requirements. As a pregnant woman with diabetes, you will need more prenatal care than the average pregnant woman.
 
(Lantus and Pregnancy Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;