Does valacyclovir pass through breast milk?

Understanding Valacyclovir and Breastfeeding
Valacyclovir, an antiviral medication commonly used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses, raises important questions regarding its safety for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. As many new mothers seek to manage their health while ensuring the safety of their babies, understanding how medications like valacyclovir interact with breast milk is crucial.
Does Valacyclovir Pass into Breast Milk?
Research indicates that valacyclovir does indeed pass into breast milk, but in very small amounts. The drug is a prodrug, meaning it is converted into its active form, acyclovir, in the body. Studies have shown that the concentration of acyclovir in breast milk after maternal administration of valacyclovir is less than 1% of a typical infant dosage, which is considered negligible and unlikely to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) classifies valacyclovir as safe for use during breastfeeding. The relative infant dose of acyclovir, derived from valacyclovir, is approximately 2.4%, which further supports the conclusion that the exposure to infants is minimal.
Safety and Recommendations
Clinical observations have not reported any adverse effects in infants exposed to valacyclovir through breast milk. In one study, valacyclovir was administered to nursing mothers, and it was found that the drug was not detectable in their milk. This suggests that even when the medication is taken as prescribed, the risk to the infant remains very low.
Healthcare providers generally do not recommend any special precautions for breastfeeding mothers taking valacyclovir. However, if topical forms of the medication are used on or around the breast area, it is advisable to wash the area before breastfeeding to minimize any potential transfer of the drug to the infant.
Conclusion
In summary, valacyclovir does pass into breast milk, but the amounts are so small that they are not expected to harm breastfeeding infants. The consensus among medical professionals is that the benefits of treating viral infections with valacyclovir outweigh the minimal risks associated with breastfeeding. Mothers should always consult their healthcare providers for personalized advice, but current evidence supports the safe use of valacyclovir during breastfeeding.

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.

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 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.

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.

How long does acyclovir stay in breastmilk?

Acyclovir Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
The peak level was 7.3 mg/L and the drug was detectable in milk for up to 88 hours after the last dose.

What should I avoid while taking valacyclovir?

Drink plenty of water while taking valacyclovir to stay hydrated and support kidney function. Avoid alcohol while using valacyclovir, as it may increase the risk of side effects or interfere with the medication’s effectiveness.

Can I breastfeed my baby if I have HSV?

Women with herpes lesions may transmit HSV to their infants by direct or indirect contact with the lesions. For mothers with active lesions, breastfeeding is acceptable if: No lesions are present on the breasts, and, Active lesions elsewhere on the mother are carefully and fully covered.

Does valacyclovir affect baby?

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

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.

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.