Question

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

Heparin sulfate lactation summary

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

The high molecular weight of both standard or non-fractionated Heparin sulfate, and, so-called low molecular weight Heparin sulfate makes excretion into breast milk extremely difficult. Dalteparin has been shown not to be excreted into breast milk . In addition, Heparin sulfates are inactivated in the GE tract where they are not absorbed which is reason to have a nil oral bioavailability. Absence of anti-clotting activity in breastfed infants has been shown after treatment of the mother with Enoxaparin. Risk of Heparin sulfate-induced Thrombocytopenia or Osteoporosis in the mother is lower with low weight Heparin sulfates. Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs 2002: Compatible with breastfeeding.

Answer by DrLact: About Heparin sulfate usage in lactation

Although Heparin sulfate itself has not been studied, low molecular weight Heparin sulfates (e.g., dalteparin, enoxaparin) are not excreted into breastmilk in clinically relevant amounts. Because Heparin sulfate has an even higher molecular weight of 3000 to 30,000 daltons, it would not be expected to be appreciably excreted into breastmilk or absorbed by the infant. No special precautions are required.[1]
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.