From the Guidelines
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is safe to use during breastfeeding, as only small amounts of the drug pass into breast milk and it's unlikely to cause harm to a nursing infant. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for prevention and control of influenza in children, 2018-2019 1, breastfeeding should be encouraged even if the mother or infant has influenza, and treatment with oral oseltamivir is preferred if the breastfeeding mother requires antiviral agents. The recommended adult dose is 75 mg twice daily for 5 days for treatment of influenza, or 75 mg once daily for 10 days for prevention. Some key points to consider:
- The benefits of treating or preventing influenza in the mother typically outweigh any potential risks to the breastfed baby 1.
- It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.
- Monitoring the baby for any unusual symptoms or side effects is crucial.
- Breast milk can provide antibodies that may help protect the baby from the flu, so continuing breastfeeding as normal is recommended.
- Oseltamivir works by inhibiting the influenza virus from spreading in the body, which can reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms, and starting treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset is most effective 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Based on limited published data, oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate have been shown to be present in human milk at low levels considered unlikely to lead to toxicity in the breastfed infant. Postmarketing experience has not reported any information to suggest serious adverse effects of oseltamivir exposure via breast milk in infants It is not known if oseltamivir affects human milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for oseltamivir phosphate and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from the drug or from the underlying maternal condition.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is considered safe during breastfeeding, as the drug and its active metabolite are present in human milk at low levels, and there have been no reports of serious adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, the decision to use oseltamivir during breastfeeding should be made considering the mother's clinical need and potential risks to the infant 2.
From the Research
Safety of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) during Breastfeeding
There are no direct studies provided that specifically address the safety of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) during breastfeeding. However, general guidelines for medication use during breastfeeding can be considered:
- The amount of medication that enters breast milk varies based on the maternal serum concentration and the pharmacologic properties of the medication 3.
- Most commonly used drugs are relatively safe for breastfed babies, with the dose received via milk generally being small 4.
- Certain medications are absolutely contraindicated during breastfeeding, but Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies 3, 4, 5.
General Principles for Medication Use during Breastfeeding
When considering the use of any medication during breastfeeding, the following factors should be taken into account:
- Pharmacokinetics of the medication
- Duration of maternal therapy
- Age of the infant
- General health of the infant 6, 7
- Reliable and updated information on medication safety during breastfeeding should be consulted 6, 3, 7
Resources for Medication Safety during Breastfeeding
Several resources are available to provide information on medication safety during breastfeeding, including: