Topamax Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

Use during pregnancy: Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see Toxicology: Preclinical Safety Data under Actions). In rats, topiramate crosses the placental barrier.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies using TOPAMAX in pregnant women.
TOPAMAX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Data from pregnancy registries indicate that infants exposed to topiramate in utero have an increased risk of congenital malformations (e.g., craniofacial defects, such as cleft lip/palate, hypospadias, and anomalies involving various body systems). This has been reported with topiramate monotherapy and topiramate as part of a polytherapy regimen.
In addition, data from other studies indicate that, compared with monotherapy, there is an increased risk of teratogenic effects associated with the use of AEDs in combination therapy.
Compared with a reference group not taking AEDs, registry data for TOPAMAX monotherapy showed a higher prevalence of low birth weight (<2500 grams). One pregnancy registry reported an increased frequency of infants who were small for gestational age (SGA; defined as birth weight below the 10th percentile corrected for their gestational age, stratified by sex) among those exposed to topiramate monotherapy in utero. The long-term consequences of the SGA findings could not be determined. A causal relationship for low birth weight and SGA has not been established.
TOPAMAX should be used during pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. In treating and counseling women of childbearing potential, the prescribing physician should weigh the benefits of therapy against the risks and consider alternative therapeutic options. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.
Use during lactation: Topiramate is excreted in the milk of lactating rats. The excretion of topiramate in human milk has not been evaluated in controlled studies. Limited observations in patients suggest an extensive excretion of topiramate into breast milk. Since many drugs are excreted in human milk, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.