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Live vaccinations and Immunosuppressant medication taken by breastfeeding mothers
To finish the posts on immunosuppresant medications the final most frequently asked question is about the administration of live vaccinations to the baby. This is particularly a problem with the rotavirus vaccine. In August 2022 the summary of product characteristics for Infliximab was changed to state that live vaccines should not be administered to the […]
Raised cholesterol and breastfeeding
When I was working as an independent pharmacist prescriber my main role was to look at primary prevention of cardio vascular disease – identifying factors which raised the risk of people to have a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. I used an online calculator using various data like BMI, smoking status, […]
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro™) and Breastfeeding
Tirzepatide is a long-acting GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist that increases insulin sensitivity and secretion, suppresses glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying. On 16 April 2026 the manufacturers updated the summary of product characteristics to say: Breast‑feeding In a study of 11 women, the concentration of tirzepatide in breastmilk […]
PET scans whilst breastfeeding
Having a PET scan is scary because it is often associated with a possible diagnosis of cancer, something which as mothers we probably fear most. It is important to take one day at a time and not leap ahead – not the easiest thing to do I know. If possible, store some milk in advance […]
Ulipristal Acetate (EllaOne) as an emergency hormonal contraceptive and Breastfeeding
Ulipristal is used as an emergency contraceptive for up to 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse. It is a single tablet. The manufacturer (patient information leaflet and SPC) recommends that breastfeeding should be avoided for 1 week after administration as it is present in milk. This does not seem to be justified by pharmacokinetic data […]
Anti platelet drugs and breastfeeding
Although it is rare for a young woman to experience a heart attack, transient ischaemic attack or stroke, it does happen. They are usually prescribed anti-platelet drugs and until recently we found difficulty in providing information. However, this is the most up to date information which I have sourced and hope it helps anyone in […]
ADHD and Breastfeeding
I have shared the chapter on ADHD from my book Breastfeeding and Chronic Medical Conditions multiple times this week. Many mothers seem to be diagnosed in later life and are concerned about breastfeeding. Hope this is a useful link. More information ADHD and Breastfeeding Factsheet https://infantrisk.com/content/adhd-medications-and-breastfeeding I came off my medication to conceive and my […]
Breastfeeding after VQ scans
One of the questions that frustrates me is “Can I continue to breastfeed immediately after a VQ scan, they think I may have a clot on my lungs? I’ve been told I have to stop feeding for 12 hours”. Most of these mothers have very young babies – often under 2 weeks so to dump […]
Neuropathic pain – gabapentin, amitriptyline and pregabalin and Breastfeeding
On my mission again today to write information on the frequently asked questions by mothers and professionals. Neuropathic pain affects many mothers with chronic conditions and the data is not easy to find. I hope this information, much taken from my book, is useful. If these fact sheets are proving helpful in your practice maybe […]
Eye preparations and Breastfeeding
PDF https://breastfeeding-and-medication.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/eye-preparations-and-breastfeeding.pdf This is largely based on information from my book Breastfeeding and Medication (Routledge). For any queries please email wendy@breastfeeding-and-medication.co.uk To minimise the absorption of any drug into the blood stream naso-lachrymal occlusion (pressing over the tear duct to close it off) as the drops are instilled can be applied. Absorption of eye drops […]