Question

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

Gemfibrozil lactation summary

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

Gemfibrozil, 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 2017, Ascent 2011, 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: bezafibrate, gemfibrozil.

Answer by DrLact: About Gemfibrozil usage in lactation

No relevant published information exists on the use of gemfibrozil during breastfeeding. Because of a concern with disruption of infant lipid metabolism, gemfibrozil is best avoided during breastfeeding. An alternate drug is preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
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.