Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use 18F Fluorodeoxyglucose? Is 18F Fluorodeoxyglucose safe for nursing mother and child? Does 18F Fluorodeoxyglucose extracts into breast milk? Does 18F Fluorodeoxyglucose has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can 18F Fluorodeoxyglucose influence milk supply or can 18F Fluorodeoxyglucose decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Answer by DrLact: About 18F Fluorodeoxyglucose usage in lactation

Information in this record refers to the use of 18F Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) as a diagnostic agent. The use of 18F FDG in positron emission tomography (PET) scans may be preferable to other types of scans during breastfeeding because of the low levels and rapid disappearance of radiation.[1] The amounts of 18F-FDG excreted in breastmilk after a PET scan are below the level of concern for the breastfed infant and numerous international radiation safety organizations state that no interruption of breastfeeding is necessary.[2][3][4][5] However, because of extensive uptake by lactating breasts and the consequent external radiation, nursing mothers should refrain from prolonged close contact with their infants for a period of time.[1][6][7][8] Some authors suggest that the infant be bottle fed with expressed breastmilk by a third person for 1 feeding or 4 to 12 hours, depending on the dose, after a PET scan with 18F-FDG in a nursing mother.[1][2][6][9] Nursing mothers should not work with radioactive substances used in PET scans in their workplace.[10]

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.