Can you take antivirals for shingles while breastfeeding?

Can You Take Antivirals for Shingles While Breastfeeding?
Shingles, medically known as herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. For breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether it is safe to take antiviral medications for shingles is a significant concern, especially considering the health of both the mother and the infant.
Antiviral Medications and Breastfeeding
The good news for nursing mothers is that antiviral medications used to treat shingles are generally considered safe during breastfeeding. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women can take antiviral drugs to manage shingles while continuing to breastfeed their infants. These medications, which include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, are effective in reducing the severity and duration of shingles symptoms.
Precautions to Consider
While breastfeeding with shingles is typically safe, there are important precautions to keep in mind. If the infant comes into direct contact with the shingles lesions, there is a risk that the child could develop chickenpox. Therefore, it is crucial for mothers to ensure that the affected areas are covered and to practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, to minimize any potential risk of transmission.
Healthcare professionals may also recommend additional treatments, such as varicella-zoster immune globulin, particularly for immunocompromised mothers or if there are concerns about the infant’s exposure. Consulting with a pediatric specialist can provide tailored advice based on the specific circumstances of the mother and child.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers diagnosed with shingles can safely take antiviral medications to treat their condition. However, they should remain vigilant about preventing direct contact between their infants and any shingles lesions. As always, it is advisable for mothers to discuss their treatment options with healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their babies.

How do you treat shingles while breastfeeding?

Yes. Women can take antiviral medications to treat shingles while breastfeeding. Review the Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov) database for the most current information on medications and lactation when advising breastfeeding mothers on medication safety.

When is it too late to take antiviral for shingles?

“Far too many times, patients will come in five or seven days after they notice their rash. At that point, it’s too late for an antiviral to have significant effect on the duration of the virus.”

Can I take shingles antivirals while breastfeeding?

Women can take antiviral medications to treat shingles while 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 pregnant?

Shingles Treatment During Pregnancy
If your doctor prescribes an antiviral medication, it’s important to take it exactly as directed. Most are taken once daily for several days. When taken as directed, these drugs should be safe during pregnancy.

Does breast milk have antiviral properties?

Specific Antiviral Properties
The direct antimicrobial action of breast milk is expressed through all kinds of immunoglobulin (sIgA, IgA, IgG, IgM, IgE, IgD) compounds, with anti-infective activity already known for many decades [8]. The IgG and IgM antibodies derive from the maternal immune response.

Can I touch my baby if I have shingles?

All lesions should be covered with clean, dry bandages until they are healed to avoid direct contact with an infant. Mothers need to be vigilant about hand washing until all lesions are fully crusted over.

Can you breastfeed while on antiviral medication?

Aciclovir and breastfeeding
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 valacyclovir safe while breastfeeding with shingles?

Only very small amounts of aciclovir have been found in breast milk as a result of valaciclovir administration, and the poor oral bioavailability of aciclovir will limit the amount the infant can absorb from breast milk. Side effects in the breastfed infant would not be expected.

Can I catch shingles from my mom?

A person cannot get shingles from a person that has shingles. However, the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles can be spread from a person with active shingles to a person who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. The person exposed to the virus would develop chickenpox, not shingles.