Hivid and Breastfeeding

Although it is not known if Hivid passes through breast milk, it is generally recommended that women with HIV or AIDS avoid breastfeeding in order to prevent transmitting the HIV infection to their infants. However, because formula feeding may not be a safe option either, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking Hivid and breastfeeding at the same time.

 

Hivid and Breastfeeding: An Overview

At this time, it is not known if Hivid® (zalcitabine) passes through breast milk. In almost all situations, it is recommended that women with HIV or AIDS in developed countries (such as the United States) avoid breastfeeding their infants. This helps to lower the chance of transmitting the HIV infection to their infants. Therefore, almost all women taking Hivid should not breastfeed.
 

Hivid and Breastfeeding: What Does the Research Say?

No research has been done to see if Hivid passes through breast milk in humans (or if it would cause any problems in the nursing infant). It is very important to understand that the HIV virus can pass through breast milk. Any HIV-infected woman who can safely feed her baby with formula should not breastfeed.
 
There are some situations in which formula feeding is not safe, such as if no clean water supply is available to mix the formula or wash the bottles. In these situations, it is difficult to know whether breastfeeding or formula feeding is more dangerous. In general, using both breastfeeding and formula feeding is considered to be the most dangerous situation, as digestive system irritation or infections from unclean water can allow HIV to pass into the body (from the digestive tract) more easily.
 

Talking With Your Healthcare Provider About Hivid and Breastfeeding

You should talk with your healthcare provider about Hivid and breastfeeding. Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision about Hivid and breastfeeding in your particular situation.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;