Question

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

Herpes-Zoster Virus lactation summary

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

Varicella is a disease which is contagious for some days before skin lesions appear to be evident, thus, isolation of the mother is useless. On immune – compromised infants, or those mothers to whom varicella has been first noticed within 5 days before, or, 2 days after delivery (it means that a low rate of antibodies have been transferred to the newborn) start therapy with hyperimmune immunoglobulin and follow-up the baby. On those cases of Herpes zoster infection, take standard hygienic measures (hand washing) and avoid close contact with skin lesions.
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.