Is it safe to take Lovenox while breastfeeding?

Understanding Lovenox and Breastfeeding Safety
Lovenox, known generically as enoxaparin, is a low molecular weight heparin commonly prescribed to prevent and treat conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. For breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether it is safe to continue using Lovenox while nursing is crucial, as it involves both maternal health and infant safety.
Safety Profile of Lovenox During Breastfeeding
Research indicates that Lovenox does not cross the placenta, which is a positive sign regarding its use during pregnancy. However, the situation is different when it comes to breastfeeding. According to medical guidelines, while Lovenox is generally considered safe for use during breastfeeding, there are important caveats to consider.
The primary concern is that Lovenox is excreted in breast milk, albeit in very small amounts. The available evidence suggests that the levels found in breast milk are low enough that they are unlikely to cause harm to a breastfeeding infant. However, due to the lack of extensive studies on the long-term effects of Lovenox on breastfed infants, some healthcare providers recommend caution. Specifically, it is often advised that mothers receiving Lovenox should consider not breastfeeding during treatment, particularly if they are taking higher doses or have specific health concerns.
Recommendations and Considerations
For mothers who are prescribed Lovenox, it is essential to have an open dialogue with healthcare providers. They can provide personalized advice based on the mother’s health status, the dosage of Lovenox, and the infant’s age and health. Some mothers may choose to pump and discard breast milk during the period of Lovenox treatment to minimize any potential exposure to the infant.
In summary, while Lovenox is not contraindicated during breastfeeding, the decision to continue nursing should be made with careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits. Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to ensure both maternal and infant safety.

Does Lovenox affect the fetus?

Lovenox (enoxaparin sodium) therapy appears to be safe and efficacious for pregnant women who are candidates for either prophylactic or therapeutic heparin.

When should you not administer Lovenox?

It is important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as tingling, numbness (especially in the lower limbs), or muscular weakness. LOVENOX® should not be used in patients who are actively bleeding or who have a low count of blood cells called platelets, which aid in clotting.

Is Lovenox a high risk medication?

Enoxaparin can increase your risk of severe bleeding that can lead to death. Some patients with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while using enoxaparin. Low Platelet Levels.

Can blood thinners affect your baby?

Warfarin can sometimes interfere with normal bone growth in babies. Heparin injections are safer for the baby because this medication does not cross the placenta into the baby’s circulation.

What medications should be avoided while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

What are the five warning signs of a blood clot?

Blood Clot Symptoms

• Arms and legs: Pain or tenderness, swelling, or warm feeling.
• Brain: Trouble speaking; vision changes; sudden, strong headache; dizziness; or weakness in face, arms, or legs.
• Heart: Pain in the chest or other part of the upper body, breathing difficulties, sweating, nausea, or light-headedness.

What medications decrease milk supply?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.

What blood thinners can you take while breastfeeding?

For patients in the postpartum period who are breastfeeding, unfractionated heparin (UFH), LMWH, and warfarin are the recommended agents available in the United States. Fondaparinux can also be considered in patients with a heparin allergy or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Can you take Lovenox while breastfeeding?

Hi, thanks for your post. Lovenox (enoxaparin) is highly unlikely to cause problems in a nursing infant. This is a very large molecule that will have substantial difficulty getting into milk. The small amount of drug that the baby swallows is likely to be destroyed by stomach acids rather than absorbed.