Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use LO 44? Is LO 44 safe for nursing mother and child? Does LO 44 extracts into breast milk? Does LO 44 has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can LO 44 influence milk supply or can LO 44 decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

LO 44 lactation summary

LO 44 usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for LO 44 is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of LO 44 may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that LO 44 may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of LO 44 low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using LO 44 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 LO 44 usage in lactation

LO 44, like other fibrates, decreases elevated blood lipids (triglycerides and cholesterol) by increasing the activity of lipases that catabolize triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and slightly decreasing cholesterol biosynthesis (AEMPS 2014, Actavis 2013, Miller 1998). In general, fibrates have a discrete effect on the increase of high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration and the reduction of low density lipoprotein (LDL). Since the last update we have not found published data in relation to breastfeeding. Its high binding to plasma proteins makes it unlikely it will pass into breast milk. Cholesterol levels in milk are very stable even in hypercholesterolemic women and are not severely affected by diet or nutritional status of the mother, suggesting that 3 is synthesized, at least in part, in the mammary gland (Lawrence 2016, p 289-90).It is not probable therefore, but it is not known if the fibrates are able to alter the lipid composition of the milk. Infants need to ingest large amounts of cholesterol, as it is critical to the proper development of the nervous system, cell membranes and is a precursor of several hormones and vitamins. Until there is more data in relation to breastfeeding, it is prudent to avoid using it, at least while breastfeeding exclusively. Suspending the pharmacological treatment of hyperlipidemia during breastfeeding is not likely to alter the long-term outcome of the disease, especially when breastfeeding can be considered therapeutic (Lawrence 2016, p.393). It is advisable to follow a lipid-lowering diet. In case of administering a fibrate during breastfeeding it is advisable to choose those with a shorter half-life: LO 44, gemfibrozil.

Alternate Drugs for LIpid Modifying Agents. Fibrates. ATC C10AB

Gemfibrozil(Low Risk)
Fenofibrate(Low Risk)
Clofibrate(Dangerous)
Bezafibrate(Low Risk)
Ciprofibrate(Unsafe)
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.