Skelaxin and Pregnancy

In animal studies on Skelaxin (metaxalone) and pregnancy, the medication did not appear to cause problems in the fetus or have any affect on fertility. Although Skelaxin is generally considered a pregnancy Category B medication, little information is available regarding the safety of using it during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider before using Skelaxin.

Skelaxin Drug Information

Is It Safe to Use Skelaxin While Pregnant?

Skelaxin^® (metaxalone) is a prescription muscle relaxant. There is little information available about the safety of using Skelaxin during pregnancy.

Skelaxin and Pregnancy Category B

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category B is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but that do not appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. The prescribing information for Skelaxin does not include a pregnancy Category rating, but other sources list Skelaxin as a Category B medication.

Studies of Skelaxin in pregnant rats did not show any evidence of harm to the fetus or any effect on fertility. Limited experience in pregnant women (based on use in the general public, not based on clinical studies) also suggests that the medication does not cause problems in humans. However, potential problems cannot be completely ruled out.

Final Thoughts on Skelaxin and Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, or are thinking about becoming pregnant, and are taking Skelaxin, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider the benefits and risks of taking Skelaxin during pregnancy before making a recommendation in your particular situation.