Lacosamide is an antiepileptic drug used to treat partial-onset seizures in adults. However, the safety of lacosamide during pregnancy is still uncertain. The available sources provide some information on this topic, but more research is needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of using lacosamide during pregnancy.
According to Drug Patent Watch [1], lacosamide is classified as a Pregnancy Category C drug, which means that it has not been studied in pregnant women, and its effects on the developing fetus are unknown. Animal studies have shown some adverse effects on fetal development, such as decreased fetal weight and skeletal abnormalities, but these effects were only observed at high doses that were toxic to the mother.
A study published in the journal Neurology [2] examined the outcomes of 30 pregnancies in women with epilepsy who were taking lacosamide. The study found that the use of lacosamide during pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of major congenital malformations or developmental delays in the offspring. However, the sample size was small, and the study did not have a control group of women with epilepsy who did not take lacosamide during pregnancy.
The Epilepsy Foundation [3] recommends that women who are taking lacosamide and are planning to become pregnant should discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider. The decision to continue or discontinue lacosamide during pregnancy should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the potential risks and benefits to both the mother and the fetus.
In conclusion, the safety of lacosamide during pregnancy is uncertain, and more research is needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of using this drug during pregnancy. Women who are taking lacosamide and are planning to become pregnant should discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LACOSAMIDE
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385340/
[3] https://www.epilepsy.com/medications/lacosamide