Do NSAIDs Cause Birth Defects?

Taken in sum, the data from these studies provide increasingly convincing evidence that NSAIDs are human teratogens, especially for cardiac septal defects and, possibly, for orofacial clefts. Additional research is needed, but women who may become pregnant or are pregnant should be counseled regarding this possible risk. Importantly, they should be made aware that NSAIDs are available without a prescription and that although the OTC strength is lower than the strength of the prescription product, a safe dose has not been determined.