Concerta (methylphenidate) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The drug comes as an oral tablet. Concerta may not be safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep reading to learn more about Concerta and reproductive health. And for a detailed overview of this drug, check out this article.
If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Concerta is a safe option for you.
It’s not known if Concerta is safe to take during pregnancy. In animal studies, Concerta did cause problems with development in fetuses exposed to the drug. In these studies, the pregnant animals were given between 40 and 100 times the maximum dose of Concerta that’s given to humans.
However, in another animal study, no problems in development were seen in fetuses exposed to only 3 to 15 times the maximum dose of Concerta that’s used in humans.
Keep in mind that animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans. More studies are needed to know if Concerta can be harmful to a developing pregnancy.
If you’re taking Concerta and you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your treatment options and discuss if the benefits outweigh the risks.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to understand the effects that Concerta could have on you or the child who is breastfed.
It’s not known if Concerta passes into human breast milk, or whether it can be absorbed by children who consume it in breast milk. In an animal study, Concerta did pass into the breast milk of lactating females. However, animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.
More studies are needed to know whether Concerta can be harmful to a child who is breastfed. If you’re taking Concerta, talk with your doctor before you breastfeed.
If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, it’s important to consider how Concerta could affect your birth control options.
It’s not known whether Concerta is safe to take during pregnancy. If you or your sexual partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Concerta.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.