Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking candesartan

Candesartan and pregnancy

Candesartan is not recommended in pregnancy. It can reduce the level of fluid around your baby, particularly if you take it in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This can result in long term damage to your baby's kidneys and lungs and a number of other problems.

If you're already pregnant, stop taking candesartan and talk to your doctor straight away. Usually your doctor will be able to prescribe a different medicine that is safer to take in pregnancy. Candesartan should always be stopped by the time you're 12 weeks pregnant.

Use contraception if you're taking candesartan and carefully plan any pregnancy with your GP, pregnancy specialist (obstetrician) or hospital specialist. They will review your medical condition and medicine before you get pregnant.

Most women come off candesartan before getting pregnant, but some may continue up until they have a positive pregnancy test and then stop. Your doctor will discuss what's best for you, based on your condition and the risks and benefits of candesartan.

Candesartan and breastfeeding

It might be OK to take candesartan while breastfeeding, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist first. It is best not to take candesartan if your baby was born prematurely, but your doctor will help you decide.

Candesartan passes into breast milk in very small amounts. It is unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. However, there is a very small risk that it could also lower your baby's blood pressure. Until we know more about candesartan in breastfeeding your doctor might recommend a different medicine for you to take.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems unusually sleepy, seems much paler than usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife or doctor as soon as possible.

Candesartan and fertility

There's no evidence to suggest that taking candesartan reduces fertility in either men or women.

Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant as they will want to review your medicine with you.

For more information about how angiotensin receptor blockers such as candesartan can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, see the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.