Nicotine patches

Executive Summary

FDA's Drug Abuse Advisory Committee will address "pregnancy categories for nicotine-containing dosage units used for smoking cessation" at its July 14 meeting, agency announces in June 23 Federal Register. Recently-approved nicotine patches are currently pregnancy category D, carrying a warning against use in pregnant women who should be "encouraged to attempt cessation using educational and behavioral interventions before using pharmacological approaches." Marion Merrell Dow's Nicorette chewing gum is pregnancy category X, contraindicated in pregnant women. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza in Rockville, Md.