Rescriptor and Breastfeeding

Although no studies have been conducted on Rescriptor and breastfeeding, the drug is believed to pass through breast milk. Since HIV also passes through breast milk, women with HIV or AIDS (including those taking Rescriptor) are typically told to avoid breastfeeding. Since each situation is different, however, talk to your healthcare provider about Rescriptor and breastfeeding in your case.

 

Rescriptor and Breastfeeding: An Overview

It is not known whether Rescriptor® (delavirdine mesylate) passes through breast milk in humans. Women with HIV or AIDS in developed countries (such as the United States) are almost always advised to avoid breastfeeding in order to reduce the chance of transmitting the virus to their infants. Therefore, most women taking Rescriptor should avoid breastfeeding.
 

Rescriptor and Breastfeeding: What Does the Research Say?

No studies have been conducted on whether Rescriptor passes through breast milk. However, based on its chemical characteristics, the drug is likely to pass through breast milk in humans. More importantly, the HIV virus can also 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 to 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 most dangerous, 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 Rescriptor and Breastfeeding

You should talk with your healthcare provider about Rescriptor 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 Rescriptor and breastfeeding that is right for you.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;