The Basics
What is Ketoprofen?
Used to treat menstrual cramps
Brand names for Ketoprofen
Orudis
How Ketoprofen is classified
Analgesic Agents, Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Agents
Ketoprofen During Pregnancy
Ketoprofen pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Ketoprofen while pregnant
In teratology studies ketoprofen administered to mice at doses up to 12 mg/kg/day (36 mg/m2/day) and rats at doses up to 9 mg/kg/day (54 mg/m2/day), the approximate equivalent of 0.2 times the maximum recommended therapeutic dose of 185 mg/m2/day, showed no teratogenic or embryotoxic effects. In separate studies in rabbits, maternally toxic doses were associated with embryotoxicity but not teratogenicity. However, animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Orudis (ketoprofen) or Oruvail should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Nonteratogenic Effects Because of the known effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the fetal cardiovascular system (closure of ductus arteriosus), use during pregnancy (particularly late pregnancy) should be avoided.
Taking Ketoprofen While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ketoprofen?
Although ketoprofen has low levels in breastmilk, one center reported that they had received reports of adverse renal and gastrointestinal side effects in breastfed infants whose mothers were taking ketoprofen. Other agents are preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Although ketoprofen has low levels in breastmilk, one center reported that they had received reports of adverse renal and gastrointestinal side effects in breastfed infants whose mothers were taking ketoprofen. Other agents are preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Ketoprofen on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Ketoprofen
Acetaminophen, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Naproxen, Piroxicam.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Jacqz-Aigrain E, Serreau R, Boissinot C et al. Excretion of ketoprofen and nalbuphine in human milk during treatment of maternal pain after delivery. Ther Drug Monit. 2007;29:815-8. PMID: 18043481
2. Soussan C, Gouraud A, Portolan G et al. Drug-induced adverse reactions via breastfeeding: a descriptive study in the French Pharmacovigilance Database. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2014;70:1361-6. PMID: 25183382
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
