Can I have Tamiflu while breastfeeding?

Understanding Tamiflu and Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing influenza while breastfeeding, many mothers may wonder about the safety of medications like Tamiflu, known generically as oseltamivir. This antiviral drug is commonly prescribed to treat and prevent the flu, but its implications for breastfeeding mothers and their infants are crucial to consider.
Safety Profile of Tamiflu for Breastfeeding Mothers
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tamiflu is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The CDC advises that women treated with Tamiflu can continue breastfeeding, as the benefits of breastfeeding are significant for infant health. This reassurance is echoed by various health sources, which emphasize that the medication does not pose a substantial risk to breastfed infants.
How Tamiflu Affects Breast Milk
Research indicates that oseltamivir and its active metabolite are poorly excreted into breast milk. Studies show that even at maternal dosages of 150 mg daily, the levels of the drug found in breast milk are low and unlikely to cause adverse effects in infants. This is particularly important for mothers who are concerned about the potential impact of medications on their breastfeeding infants.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
Despite the general consensus on the safety of Tamiflu during breastfeeding, it is always prudent for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers. Each individual’s health situation is unique, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on specific circumstances, including the severity of flu symptoms and any other underlying health conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, Tamiflu is deemed safe for use by breastfeeding mothers, allowing them to manage flu symptoms effectively without compromising their ability to breastfeed. However, as with any medication, it is essential to engage in a dialogue with healthcare providers to ensure that the treatment aligns with both maternal and infant health needs.

What medicine can I take for stomach flu while breastfeeding?

Some people are prescribed (or buy) prochlorperazine (Buccastem ®, Stemetil ®) tablets to relieve the nausea and vomiting, loperamide (Imodium®) to reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea and rehydrating sachets (Dioralyte ®) to prevent dehydration. These drugs are suitable to take and carry on breastfeeding as normal.

Can a breastfeeding mom take Tamiflu?

If you are sick enough to need antiviral medications, Tamiflu is preferred for breastfeeding mothers over other antiviral medications. If you need to take over the counter (OTC) medications to help treat symptoms, most OTC medications are compatible with breastfeeding but some medications are preferred over others.

Can you mix Tamiflu with milk for baby?

How to give the medicine to an infant or a young child: For older children: Bottle Nipple: Mix the medicine with one or two teaspoons of formula or breast milk inside the nipple of the bottle. Let your infant suck on the nipple until all the medicine is gone. Medicine Syringe: Mix the medicine as described in step 4.

Is Tamiflu safe for babies?

TAMIFLU is a prescription medicine used to treat the flu (influenza) in people 2 weeks of age and older who have had flu symptoms for no more than 2 days. TAMIFLU can also reduce the chance of getting the flu in people 1 year and older.

Can influenza harm unborn baby?

Influenza (‘the flu’) is a viral infection that can cause serious complications in pregnancy for you and your baby. The influenza vaccine is the best way to protect you and your baby from catching the flu — it’s free if you’re pregnant, under the National Immunisation Program.

Can I still breastfeed my baby if I have the flu?

“The CDC recommends mothers and/or babies with the flu should continue breastfeeding. Because there is no flu vaccine available for babies under the age of 6 months, the antibodies found in mother’s milk play an important role in lowering baby’s risk.

What can I take for flu if I am breastfeeding?

For women who are breastfeeding with suspected or confirmed flu, the preferred antiviral medication is oral oseltamivir.

Can a baby get flu from its mother?

If a mother is not ill with the flu, breastfeeding is encouraged. If you are sick, you may need to express your milk for use in bottle feedings given by a healthy person. It is unlikely a newborn can catch flu from drinking your breast milk when you are sick. Breast milk is considered safe if you are taking antivirals.

Is it safe to take Tamiflu while pregnant?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends women in any trimester of their pregnancy who have a suspected or confirmed influenza infection receive prompt antiviral therapy with Tamiflu (oseltamavir) or Relenza (zanamivir).

How quickly does Tamiflu work?

Official answer. Tamiflu is rapidly absorbed in the stomach, which means that after taking the first dose, the drug starts working quickly to attack the flu virus and prevent it from multiplying.