Can you take antivirals while breastfeeding?

Can You Take Antivirals While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether it is safe to take antiviral medications while breastfeeding is a significant concern for many new mothers. Understanding the implications for both the mother and the infant is crucial, especially as antiviral treatments become more common in managing viral infections.
General Safety of Antivirals in Breastfeeding
Most antiviral medications are considered safe for use during breastfeeding, but the specifics can vary depending on the drug in question. For instance, acyclovir, a commonly prescribed antiviral for conditions like herpes, has been studied extensively. Research indicates that even at high maternal dosages, the amount of acyclovir that passes into breast milk is minimal—approximately 1% of a typical infant dosage. This low transfer rate suggests that acyclovir is unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Considerations for Specific Antivirals
While acyclovir is generally deemed safe, other antivirals may have different recommendations. For example, medications like lamivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, which are used in the treatment of HIV, have more stringent guidelines. Current drug labels do not recommend breastfeeding while using these medications, primarily due to concerns about potential transmission of the virus through breast milk. However, for mothers with a sustained undetectable HIV viral load, the risk of transmission through breastfeeding is significantly reduced, although not entirely eliminated.
Impact of Maternal Illness on Breastfeeding
In cases where a mother is ill with a viral infection, such as the flu, continuing to breastfeed is generally encouraged. Breastfeeding can provide essential antibodies to the infant, helping to bolster their immune system. The benefits of breastfeeding during maternal illness often outweigh the risks associated with the mother’s medication, provided that the medications are deemed safe.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
Ultimately, the decision to take antivirals while breastfeeding should be made in consultation with healthcare providers. They can offer personalized advice based on the specific antiviral medication, the mother’s health status, and the infant’s needs. It is essential for mothers to communicate openly with their healthcare team about any medications they are considering or currently taking.
In summary, while many antivirals are safe for breastfeeding mothers, individual circumstances and specific medications can vary. Always seek professional guidance to ensure the health and safety of both mother and child.

Can you take COVID antivirals when breastfeeding?

Antiviral medicines are generally not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and test positive to COVID-19, however there may be other treatments available. For more information, speak to your doctor or midwife.

Do antivirals affect pregnancy?

She is concerned about whether use of her antiviral medication will adversely affect her baby. What should I tell her? Answer Studies have shown that the use of acyclovir or valacyclovir is not associated with an increase in birth defects.

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 you breastfeed while on antiviral medication?

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.

Can I breastfeed with a viral infection?

If you have the flu, you can keep breastfeeding your baby, even if you take antiviral medicines for flu-like symptoms. Breast milk is custom-made for babies, providing antibodies that babies need to fight infection. So, continuing to breastfeed can protect your baby from the infection that your body is fighting.

Can I take antivirals while pregnant?

Because people who are pregnant are at an increased risk for complications from the flu, some individuals may benefit from taking antiviral medications, to prevent getting the flu after they have been exposed.

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 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 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.

Can you take antivirals for shingles while breastfeeding?

Women can take antiviral medications to treat shingles while breastfeeding.