USE OF ARIPIPRAZOLE IN PREGNANCY

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic (AAP) used in the treatment of schizophrenia, manic episodes, bipolar disorder and other psychoses.

Congenital malformation rates specifically following aripiprazole exposure have been statistically assessed in a collective total of ~2,000 pregnancies. There is currently no indication of an increased risk of major congenital malformation or of heart defects specifically. Rates of other specific malformation subtypes have not been statistically assessed. Miscarriage rates following first trimester aripirazole exposure have been quantified in a collective total of just 188 women. While there is no compelling evidence of a direct association with aripiprazole exposure, larger studies are required to confirm this finding. Data relating to other pregnancy outcomes following maternal aripiprazole exposure are either extremely limited or are absent, thus precluding evidence-based risk assessments.

Studies of antipsychotics/AAPs as therapeutic classes that include a collective total of ~11,500 exposures do not raise concerns of adverse pregnancy outcomes directly related to use. Although findings relating to stillbirth and preterm delivery rates are conflicting, the studies reporting positive findings for these outcomes were not adequately controlled. Further research is therefore required to confirm or refute these associations. Neurodevelopmental outcomes following in utero exposure to antipsychotics have not been sufficiently studied to permit any assessment of risk.

In the non-pregnant population, use of AAPs (particularly olanzapine and clozapine) is a risk factor for impaired glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes. There are therefore theoretical concerns of an increased risk of maternal gestational diabetes and its sequelae following gestational antipsychotic use. None of three small studies identified an increased risk of gestational diabetes following aripiprazole exposure specifically, and the available data do not indicate that gestational diabetes or large for gestational age infants are specific complications of antipsychotic/AAP use in pregnancy.

Use of aripiprazole and other antipsychotics throughout pregnancy or near delivery has been associated with withdrawal symptoms in the neonate and/or poor neonatal adaptation syndrome (PNAS). These symptoms are likely to be more severe in infants exposed in utero to more than one CNS acting drug. Delivery should therefore be planned in a unit with neonatal intensive care facilities.

It is important to ensure that maternal mental health conditions are treated appropriately. Where a woman’s illness is well-controlled on aripiprazole, either prior to conception or during pregnancy, the risk of discontinuing or changing medication, or reducing the dose, should be carefully weighed against the risk of relapse. Where clinically appropriate, clinicians are encouraged to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continued aripiprazole use during pregnancy with the patient. Where the benefit of continued treatment is considered to outweigh any potential or known risks, aripiprazole may be prescribed for use in pregnancy.