Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Sofosbuvir? Is Sofosbuvir safe for nursing mother and child? Does Sofosbuvir extracts into breast milk? Does Sofosbuvir has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Sofosbuvir influence milk supply or can Sofosbuvir decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Sofosbuvir lactation summary

Sofosbuvir usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Sofosbuvir is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Sofosbuvir may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Sofosbuvir may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Sofosbuvir low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Sofosbuvir We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Sofosbuvir usage in lactation

Usually used in combination with Ledispavir in the treatment of hepatitis C. Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk. Its pharmacokinetic data (moderately elevated molecular weight, good percentage of protein binding and very short half-life) impedes its passage to breast milk in significant amounts, so although there is disagreement (Thompson 2016), some authors consider that treatment with sofosbuvir, alone or in combination with ledipasvir is not contraindicated during breastfeeding (Spera 2016). See below the information of these related products:

Answer by DrLact: About Sofosbuvir usage in lactation

Sofosbuvir has not been studied in nursing mothers being treated for hepatitis C infection. If sofosbuvir alone or in combination with ledipasvir (Harvoni) is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.[1] Some sources recommend against breastfeeding when sofosbuvir is used with ribavirin. Hepatitis C is not transmitted through breastmilk[2][3] and breastmilk has been shown to inactivate hepatitis C virus (HCV).[4][5] However, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that mothers with HCV infection should consider abstaining from breastfeeding if their nipples are cracked or bleeding. It is not clear if this warning would apply to mothers who are being treated for hepatitis C. Infants born to mothers with HCV infection should be tested for HCV infection; because maternal antibody is present for the first 18 months of life and before the infant mounts an immunologic response, nucleic acid testing is recommended.[2][3]
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.