Question

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

Onglyza lactation summary

Onglyza usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Onglyza is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Onglyza may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Onglyza may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Onglyza low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Onglyza 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 Onglyza usage in lactation

It promotes pancreatic insulin secretion by inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme that degrades the GLP-1 and GIP intestinal hormones involved in the physiological regulation of glucose, which are activated by eating (EMA 2016, Baetta 2011, Scheen 2011). Administered orally, once a day. Common side effects are upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and headaches (EMA, 2016). Very low risk of hypoglycemia in monotherapy. Very low frequency of clinically significant side effects. Doses up to 80 times higher than normal for 2 weeks did not produce side effects (EMA, 2016). Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk. Its pharmacokinetic data (EMA 2016, Scheen 2011) and those of its active metabolite (low molecular weight, insignificant protein binding and half-life) make it likely it will pass into breast milk in concentrations that could be significant. Until there is more published data on this drug in relation to breastfeeding, safer known alternatives may be preferable, especially during the neonatal period and in case of prematurity. Diet, exercise, and breastfeeding improve blood sugar levels. See below the information of these related products:

Answer by DrLact: About Onglyza usage in lactation

No information is available on the clinical use of Onglyza during breastfeeding. If Onglyza is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. However, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Onglyza has a shorter half-life than the other dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibitors, so it might be a better choice among drugs in this class for nursing mothers. Monitoring of the breastfed infant's blood glucose is advisable during maternal therapy with Onglyza.[1]

Alternate Drugs

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.