In what situation should a patient taking Irbesartan avoid pregnancy?

Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) commonly used to manage high blood pressure and protect the kidneys in patients with diabetes. It is classified as a category D medication for pregnancy, indicating there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data.

When a woman becomes pregnant while taking irbesartan, there is an increased risk of complications such as fetal renal dysfunction, oligohydramnios (decreased amniotic fluid), and potential birth defects. Therefore, it is crucial that patients, particularly women of childbearing age, avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with irbesartan.

This necessity applies throughout the entire duration of treatment, from initiation to discontinuation, as the risks remain significant as long as the drug is in the system. Discontinuation of the drug does not mitigate these risks immediately; therefore, the patient should be vigilant about avoiding pregnancy while on irbesartan to minimize potential harm to the developing fetus.