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Updated: Dec 2, 2025

Comprehensive Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Placenta-Targeted Drug Delivery Using Three Complementary Methods
Published on: September 10, 2018
An Update on Biologic Agents During Pregnancy
Ibrahim Hammad1, T Flint Porter1
1Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Intermountain Healthcare, and the University of Utah, 5121 S Cottonwood Street, Ste 100, Murray, UT 84115, USA.
Abstract:
Most biological agents are safe to use in pregnancy. Biologic agents may be divided into 4 risk categories: minimal, uncertain, moderate, and high. Treatment options should be individualized to each patient's disease activity, response to medication, and adverse effects. Hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, azathioprine, cyclosporine A, and low-dose aspirin are considered safe. Glucocorticoids may increase the risk of gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension/preeclampsia. Nonsteroidal medication should only be used during the first trimester and for a short period during the second trimester. Limited experience with tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor medications suggests minimal risk. Methotrexate, mycophenolate, and leflunomide are contraindicated during pregnancy.
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