Can you breastfeed again after taking cabergoline?

Understanding Cabergoline and Breastfeeding
Cabergoline, a medication primarily used to treat conditions related to high prolactin levels, such as prolactinomas, has raised questions regarding its safety and implications for breastfeeding. For mothers who have taken cabergoline, the concern often revolves around whether they can safely resume breastfeeding afterward.
The Role of Cabergoline
Cabergoline works by inhibiting the secretion of prolactin, a hormone crucial for milk production. While it is effective in treating conditions that necessitate reduced prolactin levels, its use can complicate breastfeeding. According to medical guidelines, cabergoline is not indicated for the suppression of physiological lactation, meaning it should not be used solely to stop milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
Breastfeeding After Cabergoline
The consensus among experts is that while cabergoline can suppress lactation, it does not permanently eliminate the ability to breastfeed. Women who have taken cabergoline for medical reasons, such as pituitary adenomas, can still breastfeed without apparent risks to their infants, provided they are no longer on the medication. However, the timing of when to resume breastfeeding after taking cabergoline is crucial.
Experts suggest that the effects of cabergoline can persist for a prolonged period, which may influence milk production. Therefore, it is advisable for mothers to consult healthcare providers about the appropriate waiting period before resuming breastfeeding. Some sources indicate that even after stopping cabergoline, milk production may still occur days later, as the body can take time to adjust.
Safety Considerations
While many mothers may wish to resume breastfeeding after taking cabergoline, it is essential to consider the potential risks. Some healthcare professionals caution against breastfeeding while on cabergoline, citing concerns about possible side effects on the infant, including growth and development issues. Therefore, a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider is vital to weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against any potential risks associated with the medication.
Conclusion
In summary, mothers who have taken cabergoline can potentially breastfeed again, but it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals to ensure safety for both mother and child. The timing of resuming breastfeeding after cabergoline use should be carefully considered, taking into account the medication’s effects and the mother’s health needs. Ultimately, informed decisions made in consultation with medical experts will help ensure the best outcomes for both mother and baby.

How successful is pregnancy with cabergoline?

Now, it has been reported by various research workers that there is no increase in the risk of spontaneous abortions, congenital malformations or neonatal abnormalities among the women who received cabergoline at the time of conception or during pregnancy.

How long does it take for cabergoline to lower prolactin levels?

Cabergoline induced a marked fall in serum PRL which began within 3 h and continued for 7 days. The maximal decrease ranged between -49.2% and -55.2% and occurred after 2-5 days.

How long does it take for cabergoline to stop breast milk?

For those with established lactation, cabergoline on average required 3.29 days to stop. In Caballero-Gordo et al, where participants who failed an initial dose of cabergoline 1 mg and then received an additional 1 mg dose, symptoms disappeared completely within 48 hrs.

Does cabergoline affect your breasts?

Possible side effects include dizziness, fatigue, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation, breast tenderness, pain during menstrual periods, and numbness and tingling in the limbs. Cabergoline can also cause more serious side effects.

How long does it take for prolactin levels to return to normal after breastfeeding?

As long as your baby maintains suckling, prolactin levels stay elevated. During periods when you’re not breastfeeding, your prolactin levels decrease, and milk production reduces. If a person doesn’t breastfeed their baby, prolactin levels fall to non-pregnant levels after one to two weeks.

Can I breastfeed again after taking cabergoline?

In all situations where lactation is being suppressed, advise against breastfeeding or expressing milk after taking cabergoline, as either could stimulate lactation. It is not known if cabergoline is secreted in human milk. Slowly replace each breastfeed with an infant formula feed.

How long does it take for hormones to reset after breastfeeding?

The return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels can vary greatly, but generally hormones will normalize within three to six months. If you are breastfeeding, as you wean from it, your prolactin and oxytocin levels will drop—potentially leaving you feeling sad, anxious or irritable.

What happens when you stop cabergoline?

Three of seven male patients (43 percent) noted decreases in sexual potency and libido, although their testosterone levels did not change. Hyperprolactinemia remained controlled in the remaining 73 patients (70 percent) at a median of 36 months after the withdrawal of cabergoline.

What happens if you suddenly stop taking cabergoline?

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: The levels of prolactin in your blood will stay high. In women, high prolactin levels can change ovulation, menstrual cycles, and breast milk production. In men, high prolactin levels can affect reproduction and cause sexual issues.

How long does it take cabergoline to leave your system?

6. How long does Cabergoline stay in your system? Cabergoline’s elimination half-life was calculated from urine data of 12 healthy participants and varied from 63 to 69 hours. Cabergoline’s sustained prolactin-lowering impact may be due to its slower elimination and lengthy half-life.