Question

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

Calcipotriene lactation summary

Calcipotriene is safe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Calcipotriene is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 1 indicates that usage of Calcipotriene is mostly safe during lactation for breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research also indicates that Calcipotriene does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Calcipotriene safe in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher 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 Calcipotriene usage in lactation

Synthetic drug analog to vitamin D3 which is similar to calcitriol.It is topically used on the treatment of psoriasis. At latest update relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found. Due to a poor gut absorption, plasma levels were undetectable or very low (AEMPS 2014), so it is unlikely a passage in significant amounts into breastmilk.In addition, it is a derivative of vitamin D3 with poor effect on calcium metabolism. No significant changes on calcium plasma levels have been observed, whenever compliance with the maximum recommended doses is followed (Murdoch 1992, Bourke 1993 and 1997, Blum 1998). Therefore, several consensus of experts accept the use of Calcipotriol as safe while breastfeeding (Zip 2002, Leachman 2006, Strober 2009, Barrett 2013, Butler 2014) which can even be applied to the nipple whenever necessary (Barrett 2013 ).It can be applied for long time periods during breastfeeding provided it would not cover more than 20% of body surface area (Barrett 2013). It should be avoided application on the nipple of creams, gels and other topical containing-paraffin products (mineral oil) so that the infant would not absorb them (Noti 2003, Concin 2008).In case of psoriasis of the nipple it should be applied after a feeding at breast followed by a thoroughly cleaning up with water before the next feeding.

Answer by DrLact: About Calcipotriene usage in lactation

No information is available on the use of calcipotriene during breastfeeding. Because it is poorly absorbed after topical application, calcipotriene is probably a low risk to the nursing infant and is generally considered acceptable during breastfeeding, even to the nipple area.[1][2][3][4][5] Avoid application of the combination product containing betamethasone (Enstilar) to the breast. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[6]
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.