Are antivirals safe to take while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Antivirals During Breastfeeding
The question of whether antivirals are safe to take while breastfeeding is a significant concern for many new mothers. As the health of both the mother and the infant is paramount, understanding the implications of antiviral medications in this context is crucial.
General Safety Guidelines
Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir and valacyclovir, are often prescribed to treat viral infections. According to safety guidelines, many antiviral agents are considered safe for use during breastfeeding. The consensus among healthcare professionals is that the benefits of treating a viral infection with antivirals generally outweigh the potential risks to the breastfeeding infant.
Specific Antivirals and Their Effects
1. Acyclovir: This antiviral is commonly used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses, including herpes. Research indicates that acyclovir is excreted in breast milk in small amounts, but it is not expected to cause harm to a breastfeeding infant. The American Academy of Pediatrics has classified acyclovir as compatible with breastfeeding.
2. Valacyclovir: Similar to acyclovir, valacyclovir is also deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers. It is a prodrug that converts to acyclovir in the body, and studies suggest that the levels found in breast milk are low enough to pose minimal risk to the infant.
3. Lamivudine and Tenofovir: These medications, often used in the treatment of HIV, have a more complex safety profile. While they have a good safety record in pregnancy, their use during breastfeeding is more controversial. Current recommendations suggest caution, as the potential effects on the infant are not fully understood.
Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers
When a breastfeeding mother is prescribed antivirals, it is essential for her to discuss the treatment plan with her healthcare provider. Factors such as the mother’s health condition, the specific antiviral prescribed, and the infant’s health should all be taken into account.
Moreover, breastfeeding itself can provide protective antibodies to the infant, which can help them fight off infections. This natural immunity is an important consideration when weighing the risks and benefits of medication.
Conclusion
In summary, many antivirals are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, particularly acyclovir and valacyclovir. However, each case should be evaluated individually, and mothers should maintain open communication with their healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their infants. As always, the health and safety of the baby should be the primary concern when making decisions about medication during breastfeeding.

Does valacyclovir affect baby?

Answer Studies have shown that the use of acyclovir or valacyclovir is not associated with an increase in birth defects.

Can you take antivirals for shingles while breastfeeding?

Women can take antiviral medications to treat shingles while breastfeeding.

Can you take Paxlovid and breastfeed?

Paxlovid and breastfeeding
The manufacturers advise that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Paxlovid and for 7 days after the last dose. Ritonavir passes into breast milk in tiny amounts, but it is not known how much nirmatrelvir passes into breast milk.

What medications should be avoided while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

Can you breastfeed while taking an antiviral?

It is likely that only tiny amounts will get into your breast milk which would not be expected to cause any problems in your baby. Make sure that your baby does not come into contact with areas where you’ve used the medicine.

Is it safe to breastfeed while taking valacyclovir?

Herpes can be a serious, life-threatening infection for a newborn. Cold sores occur commonly around the time of delivery, so it is important to treat cold sores aggressively to prevent transmission to a newborn baby. Aciclovir cream, aciclovir or valaciclovir tablets are all considered safe while breastfeeding.

Can breastfeeding moms take antivirals for COVID?

Some groups of people should not have COVID-19 antiviral medicine. They include if you are: pregnant. breastfeeding.

Can you take Paxlovid if breastfeeding?

Paxlovid and breastfeeding
The manufacturers advise that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Paxlovid and for 7 days after the last dose. Ritonavir passes into breast milk in tiny amounts, but it is not known how much nirmatrelvir passes into breast milk.

Can you kiss your baby if you get cold sores?

You should not kiss a baby if you have a cold sore to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Cold sores and other blisters caused by the herpes virus are at their most contagious when they burst. They remain contagious until completely healed.

Can I take antivirals while pregnant?

Does taking an antiviral medication increase the chance of birth defects? Every pregnancy starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a birth defect. This is called the background risk. Several studies that looked at the use of oseltamivir and zanamivir during pregnancy did not find an increased chance for birth defects.