Appetite suppressants in pregnancy Double agents. This led the FDA to withdraw fenfluramine from the market.
Obesity is a prominent health issue in North America.
For individuals seeking effective methods of weight loss, including women in their reproductive years, the serotonin-modulating appetite suppressant fenfluramine and the related dexfenfluramine are commonly administered. Although appetite suppressants are not recommended during pregnancy, the possibility exists that a woman could be taking fenfluramine before knowing she is pregnant, raising concerns about possible effects of these compounds on a fetus. The dams and offspring were subjected to various analyses during growth and development. With regard to conception rate, maternal weight gain, duration of gestation, litter size, and sex ratio, no differences were observed between mice exposed to low or high doses of the drugs or the placebo. Fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine concentrations were detectable in the amniotic fluid and in fetal brain measured on gestation day 15.