What is indicated by Category B pregnancy risk?

Category B pregnancy risk indicates that there are no controlled studies in humans that demonstrate a risk to the fetus, while animal studies have shown no risk. This suggests that while the effects in pregnant women still require caution due to the lack of human data, the animal trials did not indicate any harmful effects on fetal development. Therefore, the benefits of using the drug during pregnancy may still outweigh potential risks.

This designation signifies a relatively lower risk compared to Category A, where controlled studies in humans demonstrate no risk. Understanding the nuances of pregnancy risk categories is crucial for pharmacy technicians, as they aid healthcare providers in making informed decisions when prescribing medications to pregnant patients.