What medications disqualify you from donating breast milk?

Understanding Medication Disqualifications for Breast Milk Donation
Donating breast milk is a noble act that can provide essential nutrition to infants who may not have access to their mother’s milk. However, certain medications can disqualify potential donors due to concerns about the safety and health of the recipient infants. Understanding these disqualifications is crucial for both donors and milk banks.
Medications That May Disqualify Donors
While many medications do not automatically disqualify a person from donating breast milk, some specific categories and individual drugs can pose risks. Generally, medications that are contraindicated for breastfeeding mothers may also disqualify a donor. This includes:
1. Chemotherapy Drugs: Medications used in cancer treatment can be harmful to infants and are typically a disqualifying factor.

2. Antiretroviral Medications: Those taking medications for HIV/AIDS are usually not eligible to donate, as these drugs can be transmitted through breast milk.
3. Certain Psychotropic Medications: Some antidepressants and antipsychotics may affect the quality of breast milk or pose risks to infants.
4. Controlled Substances: Medications that are classified as controlled substances, particularly opioids, can disqualify a donor due to potential risks associated with their use.
5. Other Specific Medications: Certain antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, and other drugs may also be scrutinized. It is essential for potential donors to disclose all medications they are taking to the milk bank.
The Role of Medical Conditions
It’s important to note that the medical condition for which a medication is prescribed can also impact eligibility. For instance, if a donor is taking medication for a chronic illness, the underlying condition may itself disqualify them from donating, regardless of the medication’s safety profile.
Guidelines and Recommendations
Milk banks often have specific guidelines regarding medication use. Potential donors are encouraged to consult with healthcare professionals or the milk bank directly to understand their eligibility. Many milk banks will conduct a thorough screening process, which includes a detailed medical history and a list of all medications currently being taken.
Conclusion
In summary, while many medications do not disqualify individuals from donating breast milk, certain drugs—especially those used in serious medical treatments—can pose risks to infants and lead to disqualification. It is vital for potential donors to be transparent about their medication use and to seek guidance from medical professionals or milk banks to ensure the safety of the milk they wish to donate. This careful approach helps maintain the integrity of breast milk donation and protects the health of vulnerable infants.

What medications prevent you from donating breast milk?

Prescribed medicines which you should NOT take when you are donating but can be taken when feeding your own baby:

• Sleeping tablets (includes herbal products)
• Sedatives (includes herbal products and over-the-counter products)
• Domperidone.

What disqualifies you from donating breast milk?

You may be disqualified from donating breast milk if you: Have or are being treated for HIV, HTLV (human T-cell leukemia virus), hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. Have a sexual partner who is at risk for HIV, HTLV, hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. Have used recreational drugs within the last year.

Who should not donate milk?

You should never donate breast milk if any of the following applies: You have ever tested positive for HTLV, Hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. You have not been tested yet but think you might have HTLV, Hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. You are HIV positive.

What are the rules for donor breast milk?

These guidelines require donor mothers:

• Be in general good health.
• Undergo a free blood test.
• Provide at least 200 ounces of breast milk within a 6-month period.

What drugs don’t go into breast milk?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

What do they test for when you donate breast milk?

Also the labs must be done at least eight days after the procedure. In addition, milk banks serologically screen potential donors for HIV-1, HIV-2, human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B surface antigen and syphilis no more than six months prior to the first donation.

Can you pass HPV through breastmilk?

Conclusions: HPV in breast milk is prevalent among the lactating mothers and HPV can also persist in breast milk. The breast milk is a potential vehicle for HPV transmission to oral mucosa of the spouse but not of the offspring.

Can you donate breast milk if you’re on antidepressants?

Community question: “Can I donate if I’m on a low dose antidepressant?” Yes. Make your medications known and it’s up to the mama in need to decide if she wants the milk. personally I would take donor milk with a low dose of anti depressant than formula any day.

Can I give my baby my sister’s breast milk?

Because of risks involved, any decision to give donated breast milk to your baby should be discussed with your baby’s health care provider in advance. Despite human milk’s many benefits, peer-to-peer milk sharing is cause for concern for a variety of reasons: Disease transmission.

What drugs stay in breastmilk?

Drugs. If you use amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine or heroin, you should not breastfeed for 24 hours after use. If you smoke cannabis or tobacco you should breastfeed your baby before you smoke, and smoke outside and away from the baby.