It is important for a woman who is pregnant to be aware of the potential effects that any medication, whether it is a prescription medication like Xenical or whether it is an over-the-counter medication, will have on her pregnancy. She needs to make sure that she is aware of any safety or contraindications of the particular medication during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, as so much significant development is happening to her baby during that first trimester of pregnancy.

Xenical, also known as Orlistat, is a medication that is used for weight loss. Xenical is thought to block the absorption of fat, causing a person to lose weight. In terms of pregnancy, there are no known safety concerns or contraindications, although it is still not necessarily recommended that a pregnant woman take Xenical in the first trimester of pregnancy. This is because Xenical is classified as a “class B” medication in terms of pregnancy. Class B means that the effects of Xenical in the first trimester just aren’t known, as there have not yet been adequate clinical studies that would indicate that Xenical poses a serious risk to pregnancy.

There is another reason that Xenical may not be safe, and may be contraindicated, for pregnancy during the first trimester, or during the rest of pregnancy. As a weight loss medication, Xenical’s purpose is, obviously, to help a woman lose weight. During pregnancy, however, it is never recommended that a woman lose weight. Even a woman who is overweight before she becomes pregnant should still gain somewhere in the range of 15 to 25 pounds over the course of her pregnancy. By taking Xenical in the first trimester, a woman risks the possibility that certain essential nutrients may not make it from the food that she takes in to the developing body of her baby.

If you were on Xenical before you became pregnant and have just discovered that you are pregnant, you should notify your health care provider. Because the early part of the first trimester is so critical, your health care provider may wish for you to stop taking Xenical right away.

Posted in Pregnancy

Related Articles:

Safety / Contraindications of Flagyl in the First Trimester

Safety / Contraindications of Vicodin in the First Trimester

Safety / Contraindications of Adipex in the First Trimester

Safety / Contraindications of Klonopin in the First Trimester

Safety / Contraindications of Common Drugs in the First Trimester

Saving Money Bank Account or Safety Deposit Box?

How Much Weight Should You Gain During The Second Trimester

Buying a Car Seat - New or Used?

What To Prepare For During The Second Trimester

Is it safe to color my hair during the first trimester?

When Does The Second Trimester Begin?

What Changes Take Place During The Second Trimester Your Baby