Does Tamiflu affect breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Tamiflu During Breastfeeding
As flu season approaches, many breastfeeding mothers may find themselves questioning the safety of taking antiviral medications like Tamiflu (oseltamivir). This inquiry is particularly pertinent given the potential risks associated with both influenza and medication use during lactation.
Tamiflu’s Safety Profile for Breastfeeding Mothers
According to health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tamiflu is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The CDC advises that women treated with Tamiflu should continue breastfeeding, as the benefits of breastfeeding significantly outweigh the potential risks associated with the medication. This reassurance is crucial for mothers who may be concerned about the impact of the drug on their infants.
Minimal Transfer to Breast Milk
Research indicates that oseltamivir and its active metabolite are poorly excreted into breast milk. Studies show that maternal dosages of 150 mg daily result in low levels of the drug in breast milk, which are unlikely to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. This is particularly important for mothers who are worried about the health of their babies while managing their own flu symptoms.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
Despite the general consensus on the safety of Tamiflu during breastfeeding, healthcare professionals recommend that mothers discuss any medication use with their doctors. Individual health circumstances can vary widely, and a healthcare provider can offer personalized advice that considers the mother’s health, the severity of flu symptoms, and the overall well-being of the infant.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
In summary, while Tamiflu is deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers, it is essential for each mother to weigh the benefits of treating influenza against any potential risks. The consensus among health experts is clear: continuing to breastfeed while taking Tamiflu is advisable, provided that mothers remain in close communication with their healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their infants.

Is Tamiflu safe while breastfeeding?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Maternal dosages of 150 mg daily produce low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Infants over 2 weeks of age can receive oseltamivir directly in doses much larger than those in breastmilk.

What is a safe influenza drug for a nursing mother?

For women who are breastfeeding with suspected or confirmed flu, the preferred antiviral medication is oral oseltamivir. Available data indicate that oseltamivir is not easily passed to the infant in breast milk.

What are the side effects of Tamiflu in infants?

The main side effects associated with Tamiflu include nausea and vomiting. The FDA notes that uncommon side effects have been reported in children ages 16 years old and younger, however. They may include: hallucinations.

Does Tamiflu affect fetus?

Even though these small amounts of Tamiflu cross to the baby, studies haven’t shown any risk of birth defects from it. In fact, Tamiflu is considered the first-choice antiviral medication for the flu during pregnancy because it has the most studies available to show it is safe and effective.

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.

Can a mom with the flu breastfeeding?

“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.

Can a breastfeeding mom pass flu to a baby?

Influenza is not spread to babies via breastmilk.

What can I take for flu while breastfeeding?

Summary

• You can continue to breastfeed when you have a cough, cold, the flu or COVID-19.
• You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen whilst breastfeeding, at the normal adult doses.
• Oral decongestants are not recommended when you are breastfeeding as they can reduce your milk supply with just one or two doses.

How long is the flu contagious?

Most healthy children and adults with the flu can infect others beginning about one day before developing any symptoms and up to seven days after the symptoms resolve. People with weakened immune systems can remain contagious for up to several weeks.

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).