Does valacyclovir affect breastfeeding?

Valacyclovir and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
Valacyclovir, an antiviral medication commonly used to treat infections such as herpes simplex, shingles, and chickenpox, raises important questions regarding its safety during breastfeeding. As many new mothers navigate the complexities of medication use while nursing, understanding the implications of valacyclovir is crucial.
Minimal Transfer to Breast Milk
Research indicates that valacyclovir does not significantly transfer into breast milk. A study involving five nursing mothers who took valacyclovir at a dosage of 500 mg every 12 hours for five days found that the drug was not detectable in their breast milk. The median peak concentration of its active metabolite, acyclovir, was measured at 4.2 mg/L, occurring approximately 2 to 4 hours after the first dose and remaining consistent after subsequent doses . This low level suggests that the amount of acyclovir that could potentially reach a breastfeeding infant is minimal.
Safety for Infants
The implications of these findings are reassuring for breastfeeding mothers. Given that the concentration of acyclovir in breast milk is only about 1% of a typical infant dosage, it is unlikely to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. This aligns with broader clinical guidance, which supports the use of valacyclovir during breastfeeding, indicating that maternal administration of this medication is compatible with nursing.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
While the evidence supports the safety of valacyclovir during breastfeeding, it is always advisable for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new medication. Individual health circumstances can vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on a mother’s specific situation and health history.
In conclusion, valacyclovir appears to be a safe option for breastfeeding mothers, with minimal transfer to breast milk and low risk of affecting infants. As always, open communication with healthcare providers is key to ensuring the health and safety of both mother and child.

How much Valtrex gets into breastmilk?

With 500 mg valaciclovir administered every 12 hours, the median concentration of acyclovir in breast milk would be 2.24 μg/mL. Assuming 750 mL of breast milk production and neonatal ingestion per day, an average of 1.68 mg/d of acyclovir would be ingested by a breastfeeding infant.

Can I take antivirals while breastfeeding?

Aciclovir and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says that your baby is healthy, it’s OK to take aciclovir tablets or liquid while breastfeeding. Aciclovir from the tablets or liquid passes into breast milk in very small amounts, and it is unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.

Is valacyclovir the same as Valtrex?

The antivirals acyclovir (generic for Zovirax and Sitavig) and valacyclovir (generic for Valtrex) are used to treat or prevent infections caused by the herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and varicella-zoster viruses.

How long does valacyclovir stay in your system?

This means that most of the valacyclovir and its metabolites should be eliminated from the system within approximately 13.75 to 18.15 hours after the last dose. The rate of elimination is closely tied to renal clearance, emphasizing the importance of monitoring based on patient age and renal function.

Does valacyclovir affect baby?

Answer Studies have shown that the use of acyclovir or valacyclovir is not associated with an increase in birth defects.

What is the downside to valacyclovir?

Some people with a weak immune system who take valacyclovir may develop a condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). These conditions can cause small blood clots throughout the body, reducing blood flow to organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys.

Can you kiss your baby if you get cold sores?

You should not kiss a baby if you have a cold sore to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Cold sores and other blisters caused by the herpes virus are at their most contagious when they burst. They remain contagious until completely healed.

Is it safe to take valacyclovir while breastfeeding?

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.

How long does acyclovir stay in your breast milk?

Drug Levels and Effects
A woman who was 6 weeks postpartum received intravenous acyclovir 300 mg (5 mg/kg) three times daily for 5 days. Milk samples were taken every 6 hours after the last dose. The peak level was 7.3 mg/L and the drug was detectable in milk for up to 88 hours after the last dose.

Who should not take valacyclovir?

Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or. Bone marrow transplantation or. Kidney transplantation—Patients with these medical problems may have an increased risk of severe side effects.