Category C teratogens are defined as?

Category C teratogens are defined as?

• A. Animal studies show adverse fetal effects; there are no adequate human studies
• B. Animal studies show no harm; there are no adequate human studies
• C. Animal studies show adverse fetal effects; there are no adequate human studies; potential benefits may warrant use
• D. There is positive evidence of fetal risk in humans

Answer: (C)

Category C teratogens are drugs for which animal studies have shown adverse effects on the developing fetus, there are no adequate human studies, and the potential benefits may warrant use despite the risks. This means clinicians may consider this drug during pregnancy only if the expected benefit to the mother justifies the potential fetal risk, and safer alternatives aren’t available. The other descriptions don’t fit because they either omit the possibility that benefits may justify use, assert no animal harm, or indicate proven fetal risk in humans.

Category C teratogens are drugs for which animal studies have shown adverse effects on the developing fetus, there are no adequate human studies, and the potential benefits may warrant use despite the risks. This means clinicians may consider this drug during pregnancy only if the expected benefit to the mother justifies the potential fetal risk, and safer alternatives aren’t available. The other descriptions don’t fit because they either omit the possibility that benefits may justify use, assert no animal harm, or indicate proven fetal risk in humans.