RT Journal
A1 De Santis M, Carducci B, De Santis L, Cavaliere A, Straface G
T1 PEriconceptional exposure to efavirenz and neural tube defects
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 2002
FD February 11
VO 162
IS 3
SP 355
OP 356
DO 
UL http://dx.doi.org/
AB 
This drug is contraindicated in the periconceptional period and during pregnancy, as suggested by animal teratology studies. In 3 (15%) of 20 pregnant cynomolgus monkeys, exposed at therapeutic doses similar to those used for humans, efavirenz produced the following malformations: anencephaly with unilateral anophthalmia (1 case), microphthalmia (1 case), and cleft palate (1 case).1- 2 The manufacturer (DuPont Pharmaceuticals Company, Wilmington, Del) recommends that women who take efavirenz avoid pregnancy, and the drug is classified by the US Food and Drug Administration in pregnancy category C.1- 2