Betamethasone (systemic) (monograph) Pregnancy Warnings
Animal studies showed teratogenicity in many animal species at human dose equivalents, including increases in cleft palate. Corticosteroids may increase or decrease the number and motility of spermatozoa. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.
AU TGA pregnancy category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.
US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.
This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.
AU TGA pregnancy category: C
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned
Comments:
-Corticosteroids are teratogenic in many animal species at human dose equivalents.
See references