Question

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

Acitretina lactation summary

Acitretina is unsafe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Acitretina is 5 out of 8 which is considered Unsafe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 5 indicates that usage of Acitretina may cause serious side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Acitretina may cause moderate to high side effects or may affect milk supply in lactating mother.
  • Our suggestion is to use safer alternate options rather than using Acitretina .
  • It is recommended to evaluate the advantage of not breastfeeding while using Acitretina Vs not using Acitretina And continue breastfeeding.
  • While using Acitretina Its must to monitor 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 Acitretina usage in lactation

Synthetic retinoid derivated from vitamin A. Despite a low amount secreted through the breast milk (<2% of the equivalent maternal dose), some authorities think that product's toxicity justifies to avoid it during breastfeeding. American Academy of Pediatrics: Maternal Medication Usually Compatible With Breastfeeding.

Answer by DrLact: About Acitretina usage in lactation

Limited information indicates that maternal doses of Acitretina of 0.65 mg/kg daily produce low levels in milk. Because there is no published experience with Acitretina during breastfeeding, opinions vary on the advisability of breastfeeding during Acitretina therapy.[1][2][3] Various topical agents that are less likely to be absorbed by the mother may be preferred during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[4]

Acitretina Possible Effects in Breastfeeding

A review of adverse reaction reports on retinoids causing a breast reaction submitted to a French pharmacovigilance center found 8 cases of gynecomastia was associated with Acitretina use.[5]
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.