Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking irbesartan

Irbesartan and pregnancy

Irbesartan 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 trimester. This can result in long-term damage to your baby's kidneys and lungs as well as other problems.

If you're already pregnant, stop taking irbesartan 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. Irbesartan should always be stopped by the time you're 12 weeks pregnant.

It's important to use contraception if you're taking irbesartan and carefully plan any pregnancy with your doctor or a specialist. They will review your medical condition and medicine before you get pregnant.

Most women stop taking irbesartan 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 irbesartan.

Irbesartan and breastfeeding

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

It is not yet known how much irbesartan gets into breast milk. There is a very small risk that it could also lower your baby's blood pressure. Until we know more about irbesartan 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, looks much paler than normal, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife or doctor as soon as possible.

Irbesartan and fertility

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

However, speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant.

For more information about how angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) like irbesartan can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.