The Basics
What is Formoterol?
Used to control wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Brand names for Formoterol
Bevespi Aerosphere
How Formoterol is classified
Anti-Asthmatic Agents, Bronchodilator Agents, Beta Adrenergic Agonists
Formoterol During Pregnancy
Formoterol 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 Formoterol while pregnant
There are no adequate and well-controlled trials of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE or its individual components, glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate, in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Women should be advised to contact their physicians if they become pregnant while taking BEVESPI AEROSPHERE.
Taking Formoterol While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Formoterol?
Although no published data exist on the use of formoterol by inhaler during lactation, data from the related drug, terbutaline, indicate that very little is expected to be excreted into breastmilk.[1] The authors of several reviews and an expert panel agree that use of inhaled bronchodilators is acceptable during breastfeeding because of the low bioavailability and maternal serum levels after use.[2][3][4][5][6]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Although no published data exist on the use of formoterol by inhaler during lactation, data from the related drug, terbutaline, indicate that very little is expected to be excreted into breastmilk.[1] The authors of several reviews and an expert panel agree that use of inhaled bronchodilators is acceptable during breastfeeding because of the low bioavailability and maternal serum levels after use.[2][3][4][5][6]
Possible effects of Formoterol on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Formoterol
Salmeterol.
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. Lindberg C, Boreus LO, de Chateau P et al. Transfer of terbutaline into breast milk. Eur J Resp Dis. 1984;65(Suppl 134):87-91. PMID: 6586490
2. McDonald CF, Burdon JGW. Asthma in pregnancy and lactation. A position paper for the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand. Med J Aust. 1996;165:485-8. PMID: 8937369
3. Ellsworth A. Pharmacotherapy of asthma while breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1994;10:39-41. PMID: 7619245
4. Nelson-Piercy C. Asthma in pregnancy. Thorax. 2001;56:325-8. PMID: 11254828
5. Taddio A, Ito S. Drugs and breast-feeding. In: Koren G, ed. Maternal-fetal toxicology. A clinician’s guide. 3rd ed. New York: Marcel Dekker, 2001:177-32.
6. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Asthma and Pregnancy Working Group. NAEPP expert panel report. Managing asthma during pregnancy: recommendations for pharmacologic treatment-2004 update. 2004;1-57. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/lung/asthma/astpreg.htm
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.
