Can a breastfeeding mom take Paxlovid?

Can a Breastfeeding Mom Take Paxlovid?
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, many breastfeeding mothers are left wondering about the safety of taking medications like Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment designed to combat COVID-19. Understanding the implications of this medication for nursing mothers is crucial, especially as they navigate their health and the well-being of their infants.
What is Paxlovid?
Paxlovid, which combines nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, received full approval from the FDA in May 2023 for adults aged 12 and older who are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19. It is primarily prescribed to those with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms who are at risk of progressing to more severe disease, hospitalization, or death.
Safety for Breastfeeding Mothers
The question of whether breastfeeding mothers can safely take Paxlovid is complex. Current guidelines indicate that while there is limited data on the use of Paxlovid during breastfeeding, the existing evidence does not suggest significant risks. According to a review of available information, two breastfeeding individuals who took nirmatrelvir/ritonavir reported no adverse effects related to breastfeeding.
Experts note that while nirmatrelvir may transfer into breast milk to some extent, the levels are not considered high enough to pose a significant risk to infants. Ritonavir, one of the components of Paxlovid, has been studied more extensively and is known to have low transfer rates into breast milk.
Considerations and Recommendations
Despite the reassuring data, healthcare providers may still exercise caution when prescribing Paxlovid to breastfeeding mothers. Many breastfeeding women do not fall into the high-risk category for severe COVID-19, which can lead to reluctance in prescribing the medication without compelling evidence of safety.
Krystal Duhaney, a registered nurse and lactation consultant, emphasizes that while it is generally considered safe to take Paxlovid while breastfeeding, mothers should consult with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and risks specific to their situation.
Conclusion
In summary, while there is no strong evidence to suggest that taking Paxlovid while breastfeeding poses a significant risk to infants, the decision should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional. As always, the health and safety of both mother and child should be the top priority, and ongoing research will continue to shed light on the implications of COVID-19 treatments for breastfeeding mothers.

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 with pregnancy?

Study Shows Paxlovid Can Safely Be Used to Reduce Risk of Severe COVID in People Who Are Pregnant.

Who cannot take Paxlovid?

have chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 or 5, including people on dialysis. have severe liver disease. have had an organ transplant or are on the organ transplant waiting list. have certain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.

What is the downside of taking Paxlovid?

Paxlovid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Paxlovid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Severe Skin Reactions.

Can I breastfeed my baby if I am COVID positive?

Current evidence suggests that breast milk is not a source of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. When possible, breastfeeding mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should continue to breastfeed while taking hygiene precautions. This advice is regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Can you take antiviral meds while breastfeeding?

Recommendations. Aciclovir is the preferred antiviral for treating herpes simplex and varicella zoster as there are only very small amounts present in breast milk. Valaciclovir is also an acceptable alternative, since it is converted to aciclovir before passing into breast milk.

Is paxlovid safe in 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.

What can I do for Covid while breastfeeding?

Mothers with symptoms of COVID-19 are advised to wear a medical mask, but even if this is not possible, breastfeeding should be continued. Mothers should follow other infection prevention measures, such as washing hands, cleaning surfaces, sneezing or coughing into a tissue.

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick and breastfeeding?

In fact, your body will actually start producing antibodies for those illnesses and pass those antibodies through your milk to your baby, effectively reducing the risk and severity of those illnesses to your infant and/or toddler.

What happens to baby if mom has COVID?

The virus can pass from a person who is pregnant to their baby during pregnancy, but this appears to be rare. The chance of the baby getting the virus during or soon after birth may be higher if the mother has an active infection at the time of delivery.