Is Tamiflu ok while breastfeeding?

Understanding Tamiflu and Breastfeeding
As flu season approaches, many breastfeeding mothers may find themselves questioning the safety of medications like Tamiflu (oseltamivir). This antiviral drug is commonly prescribed to treat influenza, but concerns about its effects on breastfed infants are valid and deserve careful consideration.
Safety Profile of Tamiflu During Breastfeeding
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tamiflu is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The CDC emphasizes that the benefits of treating influenza with Tamiflu often outweigh the potential risks associated with its use during lactation. This reassurance is crucial for mothers who may be experiencing flu symptoms and are concerned about the health of their infants.
Research indicates that only a small amount of Tamiflu is excreted in breast milk, which means that the exposure to breastfed infants is minimal. The CDC and other health authorities recommend that mothers continue breastfeeding while taking Tamiflu, as breast milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies that support infant health.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
While the general consensus supports the use of Tamiflu during breastfeeding, it is always advisable for mothers to consult their healthcare providers before starting any medication. Individual health circumstances can vary significantly, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on a mother’s specific situation. This is particularly important if the mother has underlying health conditions or if the infant has any health concerns.
Conclusion
In summary, Tamiflu is deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers, allowing them to manage flu symptoms without compromising their ability to nurse. However, as with any medication, a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to ensure that it is the right choice for both mother and child. By prioritizing both treatment and breastfeeding, mothers can navigate flu season with greater confidence and care for their infants effectively.

Is Tamiflu safe for babies?

TAMIFLU is a prescription medicine used to treat the flu (influenza) in people 2 weeks of age and older who have had flu symptoms for no more than 2 days. TAMIFLU can also reduce the chance of getting the flu in people 1 year and older.

What if I get the flu while breastfeeding?

If you have the flu, you can keep breastfeeding your baby, even if you take antiviral medicines for flu-like symptoms. Breast milk is custom-made for babies, providing antibodies that babies need to fight infection. So, continuing to breastfeed can protect your baby from the infection that your body is fighting.

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.

What medicine can I take for stomach flu while breastfeeding?

Some people are prescribed (or buy) prochlorperazine (Buccastem ®, Stemetil ®) tablets to relieve the nausea and vomiting, loperamide (Imodium®) to reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea and rehydrating sachets (Dioralyte ®) to prevent dehydration. These drugs are suitable to take and carry on breastfeeding as normal.

What can I take naturally for the flu while breastfeeding?

Try these remedies to ease discomfort:

1. Honey and Lemon Tea: Mix hot water with honey, lemon juice, and a slice of ginger for a soothing, immune-boosting drink.
2. Saltwater Gargle: A warm mixture of 1tsp sea salt and 8oz water can help relieve throat pain and wash away irritants.

Can a breastfeeding mom take Tamiflu?

If you are sick enough to need antiviral medications, Tamiflu is preferred for breastfeeding mothers over other antiviral medications. If you need to take over the counter (OTC) medications to help treat symptoms, most OTC medications are compatible with breastfeeding but some medications are preferred over others.

Can I pass flu to my baby?

The flu virus is usually spread when people cough and sneeze, sending tiny droplets of the virus into the air. These germs either travel directly to another person or land on surfaces, where they can live for up to 24 hours.

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.

What flu medicine is safe for breastfeeding?

Although there’s limited data on antiviral flu meds taken while breastfeeding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends nursing parents with the flu (confirmed or suspected) take antivirals, with oral oseltamivir being the preferred pick. Research shows that very little transfers to breastmilk.

Will my baby get sick if I breastfeed while sick?

In fact, your body will actually start producing antibodies for those illnesses and pass those antibodies through your milk to your baby, effectively reducing the risk and severity of those illnesses to your infant and/or toddler.