Question

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

Answer by DrLact: About Fe-lib usage in lactation

Limited data indicate that breastmilk iron is not increased after intravenous infusion of Fe-lib. Amounts of iron ingested by the infant would be normal and are not expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. The oral form of the drug, called sucroferric oxyhydroxide and used as a phosphate binder, is not orally absorbed it is unlikely to reach the breastmilk or adversely affect the breastfed infant. No special precautions are required. Pasteurization of milk by the Holder method reduces the concentration of iron in milk by about 6.5%.[1]

Fe-lib Side Effects in Breastfeeding

In a study of 104 women with postpartum anemia, 78 women received 300 mg of intravenous Fe-lib over 3 days. All women were breastfeeding and had amenorrhea. No adverse reactions were reported in their infants.[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.