Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Can you take semaglutide while breastfeeding?

Can you take semaglutide while breastfeeding?

Semaglutide and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
As the popularity of semaglutide, a medication primarily used for weight management and diabetes control, continues to rise, many breastfeeding mothers are left wondering about its safety during lactation. The question of whether semaglutide can be taken while breastfeeding is complex, with varying opinions and limited clinical data.
Limited Data on Semaglutide in Breast Milk
Currently, there is no comprehensive clinical data specifically addressing the use of semaglutide in breastfeeding women. However, some insights can be gleaned from existing studies and expert opinions. Semaglutide is a peptide molecule with a high molecular weight, which suggests that it is unlikely to transfer significantly into breast milk. According to a report, the drug is over 99% protein-bound, indicating that the amount that could potentially enter breast milk would be very low.
Moreover, a study indicated that semaglutide was not detectable in the milk of mothers who were administered the drug subcutaneously, and their breastfed infants did not experience any adverse effects. This suggests that, while some transfer may occur, it is minimal and not likely to pose a risk to breastfeeding infants.
Potential Risks to Infants
Despite the low likelihood of significant transfer into breast milk, there are still considerations to keep in mind. Semaglutide works by lowering blood glucose levels, which could pose a risk of hypoglycemia in breastfeeding infants. Hypoglycemia in early life can potentially impact development, making it crucial for mothers to discuss their specific circumstances with healthcare providers before starting the medication.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
Given the lack of extensive studies on the effects of semaglutide during breastfeeding, it is essential for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers. They can provide personalized advice based on the mother’s health status, the potential benefits of semaglutide, and any risks involved. This conversation is vital, especially since the penetration of semaglutide into breast milk remains largely unknown.
Conclusion
In summary, while current evidence suggests that semaglutide is unlikely to pose significant risks to breastfeeding infants due to minimal transfer into breast milk, the potential for hypoglycemia and the lack of extensive clinical studies warrant caution. Mothers considering semaglutide should engage in thorough discussions with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and risks tailored to their individual health needs.

Can you take semaglutide postpartum?

Yes. A medical post pregnancy weight loss plan with the help of weight loss medications is certainly an option. GLP-1 injections such as Semaglutide can be used to help you lose weight after pregnancy.

Are weight loss injections safe while breastfeeding?

The RID for semaglutide computed using the LLOQ was extremely low at 1.12%. Moreover, the max RID was 1.26% when adjusted for changes in milk concentrations after drug administration. These findings suggest that semaglutide in human milk is unlikely to pose significant risks to breastfed children.

What can you take for weight loss while breastfeeding?

You’re supposed to be taking in more calories per day while breastfeeding, rather than less. This means there is no safe appetite suppressant to take while breastfeeding; instead focus on eating a well-balanced diet.

Can I go on Ozempic after giving birth?

Your provider can recommend a strategy for safely navigating pregnancy and losing weight after pregnancy. This may include resuming Ozempic after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What happens if I take Ozempic while breastfeeding?

Ozempic and Breastfeeding
It is not recommended to take GLP-1 medications while breastfeeding because the drug can enter the breast milk. That said, it’s unlikely to harm the infant.

Who Cannot take semaglutide?

Avoid semaglutide if you have: History of medullary thyroid cancer. History of gallbladder disease. History of pancreatitis.

What is the safest weight loss while breastfeeding?

If you are breastfeeding, you will want to lose weight slowly. Weight loss that happens too fast can make you produce less milk. Losing about a pound and a half (670 grams) a week should not affect your milk supply or your health. Breastfeeding makes your body burn calories which helps you lose weight.

Does semaglutide get into breastmilk?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Semaglutide was not detectable in the milk of mothers taking the drug subcutaneously. Their breastfed infants experienced no adverse effects. No special precautions appear to be necessary.

Is semaglutide safe for breastfeeding?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Semaglutide was not detectable in the milk of mothers taking the drug subcutaneously. Their breastfed infants experienced no adverse effects. No special precautions appear to be necessary.

Can you do Wegovy while breastfeeding?

It isn’t known whether Wegovy is safe to take while breastfeeding. It’s not known whether it passes into human breast milk or whether it affects milk production. The drug has been shown to pass into animal milk when given to lactating animals, so it might pass into human breast milk as well.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment