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What diabetic medication is used in lactation?

Understanding Diabetic Medications During Lactation
Breastfeeding presents unique challenges for mothers with diabetes, but it also offers significant benefits for both mother and child. As more women with diabetes choose to breastfeed, understanding which medications are safe during lactation becomes crucial.
Insulin: The Primary Medication
Insulin therapy is widely regarded as compatible with breastfeeding. The molecules of insulin are too large to pass into breast milk, meaning that breastfeeding mothers who require insulin for diabetes management can do so without concern for their infant’s exposure to the medication. This makes insulin the preferred choice for many lactating mothers with diabetes, as it effectively manages blood sugar levels without posing risks to the nursing infant.
Oral Medications: A Cautious Approach
For mothers with Type 2 diabetes, oral medications such as metformin and sulfonylureas (like glipizide and glyburide) are commonly used. Research indicates that the transfer of these medications into breast milk is minimal. For instance, studies suggest that the exposure of infants to second-generation sulfonylureas through breast milk is expected to be low, and mothers using these medications should not be discouraged from breastfeeding.
Metformin, the most frequently prescribed oral medication for Type 2 diabetes, is also considered safe during lactation. The amount that enters breast milk is significantly lower than the doses typically administered to infants, making it a viable option for breastfeeding mothers.
Weighing Risks and Benefits
When prescribing medications for breastfeeding mothers, healthcare providers must carefully evaluate the benefits of medication against the potential risks to the infant. The general consensus is that most commonly used medications are relatively safe for breastfed babies, as the doses received through milk are usually much lower than those given directly to infants.
However, it is essential for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to ensure that any medication they take is appropriate for their specific situation. This personalized approach helps to balance effective diabetes management with the safety of the breastfeeding infant.
Conclusion
In summary, insulin remains the cornerstone of diabetes management for breastfeeding mothers, while oral medications like metformin and sulfonylureas can also be safely used with proper medical guidance. The overarching goal is to support the health of both mother and child, ensuring that breastfeeding can continue without compromising the mother’s diabetes management.

What diabetic drugs are safe during lactation?

Given the safety profile of metformin, as compared with sulfonylureas, it is advisable to consider metformin as first-line treatment during lactation if this drug is appropriate for the particular patient. Nevertheless, second-generation sulfonylureas are also likely to be safe during lactation.

What oral hypoglycemic agents are used in breastfeeding?

Insulin or metformin are the preferred choices during breastfeeding. Recommendations apply to full term and healthy infants only.

What prescriptions are used for lactation?

Pills: There are two pills commonly recommended for inducing lactation, domperidone and metoclopramide; neither of which is FDA approved to be prescribed for the purpose.

Does Ozempic pass into breastmilk?

Ozempic and breastfeeding
If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to consider how Ozempic may affect you and your child. It isn’t known whether Ozempic passes into breast milk. Before using Ozempic while breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

What medication is used to increase lactation?

If a galactagogue is required, domperidone is first choice due to most evidence for use and efficacy, better side-effect profile, and negligible passage into breast milk. Other galactagogues include metoclopramide, sulpiride, and some herbal products.

Can I use Mounjaro while breastfeeding?

Your doctor will likely recommend not using Mounjaro while breastfeeding. It’s not known whether the drug is safe to use during this time. Researchers have not yet studied Mounjaro’s effects on breast milk. If you’re breastfeeding or considering it, talk with your doctor before starting Mounjaro treatment.

Does Wegovy pass through breastmilk?

The drug has been shown to pass into animal milk when given to lactating animals, so it might pass into human breast milk as well. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, it’s important to consider how Wegovy may affect you and your child.

Is GLP-1 safe for breastfeeding?

At present, the available evidence suggests that both GLP-1 agonist and SGLT2 inhibitors produce unfavourable outcomes, and should be avoided in pregnancy and during lactation.

What is the drug Reglan used for?

It is prescribed when other medications have not worked. It may also be used to treat slow emptying of the digestive tract (gastroparesis). It works by helping the muscles in your digestive tract move food. This empties your digestive tract, which relieves symptoms such as fullness, nausea, and heartburn.

What diabetic medication is safe while breastfeeding?

Insulin has been proven to be safe to take while breastfeeding. Research shows that metformin may also be taken with minimal effect on the baby. Sulphonylureas do get into breast milk to some degree, so there may be a risk that the baby’s blood glucose level will fall.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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