Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet Breastfeeding

American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical experts exclusively recommend to breastfeed the baby for first 6 months. Once you introduce baby to other foods it is recommended to breastfeed for at least first year of babys life. Taking medication while breastfeeding could be tricky as most drugs pass in breast milk. In this article we will evaluate Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet for its safety in breastfeeding.

What is Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet used for?


Plan B® is a progestin-only emergency contraceptive indicated for prevention of pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure. To obtain optimal efficacy, the first tablet should be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours of intercourse. The second tablet should be taken 12 hours later. Plan B is available only by prescription for women younger than age 17 years, and available over the counter for women 17 years and older. Plan B is not indicated for routine use as a contraceptive. Plan B is a progestin-only emergency contraceptive, indicated for prevention of pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure. Plan B is available only by prescription for women younger than age 17 years, and available over the counter for women 17 years and older. Plan B is not intended for routine use as a contraceptive. (1)

I am breastfeeding mother and I am using Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet. Can it have any bad effect on my kid? Shall I search for better alternative?

Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet safe for breastfeeding
As per our analysis Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet contains only one ingredient and that is Levonorgestrel. We have analyzed Levonorgestrel and it seems to be safe to use Levonorgestrel while breastfeeding, that means usage of Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet shall be safe while breastfeeding. Below you can check more details of Levonorgestrel usage in breastfeeding. We recommend you to go through provided detailed analysis as below take decision accordingly.

Statement of Manufacturer/Labeler about breastfeeding usage
8.3 Nursing Mothers In general, no adverse effects of progestin-only pills have been found on breastfeeding performance or on the health, growth or development of the infant. However, isolated post-marketing cases of decreased milk production have been reported. Small amounts of progestins pass into the breast milk of nursing mothers taking progestin-only pills for long-term contraception, resulting in detectable steroid levels in infant plasma.

Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys


Levonorgestrel while Breastfeeding

Safe

CAS Number: 797-63-7

Progestin containing contraceptive drug that is used as a single dose for oral, subcutaneous implant, intrauterine device (IUD), or emergency contraception administration.Also marketed in association with ethinylestradiol Levonorgestrel is a progestin, and active metabolite isomer of norgestrel, both derived from nortestosterone. It is excreted in breast milk in clinically non-significant amount, and, no problems have been observed in infants whose mothers were treated. The plasma levels of these infants were very low. Levonorgestrel and progestogens are generally considered contraceptive drugs of choice during lactation since they neither alter the quantity and composition of milk nor cause side effects on both growth of infants and the duration of breastfeeding.Published study results have shown protection against breast bone mass loss with the use of progestin-only contraceptives. For the first 6 weeks postpartum, non-hormonal methods are of choise. There is a debate on the role of progestin-related drugs in decreasing milk production when used before lactation has been fully established. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that this medication is usually compatible with breastfeeding.WHO List of Essential Medicines 2002: rates it as compatible with breastfeeding after the 6th postnatal week.


Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Levonorgestrel while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 797-63-7

This record contains information specific to oral levonorgestrel used alone. Those with an interest in a combination oral contraceptive should consult the record entitled, "Contraceptives, Oral, Combined." Although nonhormonal methods are preferred during breastfeeding, progestin-only contraceptives such as levonorgestrel are considered the hormonal contraceptives of choice during lactation. Fair quality evidence indicates that levonorgestrel does not adversely affect the composition of milk, the growth and development of the infant or the milk supply. Expert opinion holds that the risks of progestin-only contraceptive products usually are acceptable for nursing mothers at any time postpartum.[1][2][3][4] Some evidence indicates that progestin-only contraceptives may offer protection against bone mineral density loss during lactation, or at least do not exacerbate it.[5][6][7] After use of levonorgestrel as a postcoital contraceptive, nursing can resume 3 to 4 hours after the dose (or after each dose if the two-dose method is used). Postcoital levonorgestrel appears to have no long-term adverse effects on breastfeeding or the infant.[8][9][10][11]



I already used Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet and meanwhile I breastfed my baby should I be concerned?

Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet is safe in breastfeeding and should not create any health problem for your baby but in case you feel any health issue associated with Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet you should contact your doctor or health care provider. Be it pregnancy or lactation you shall keep your doctor informed.


I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet, is it safe?

Definitely, Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet is safe in lactation for baby. No wonder your doctor has recommended it.


If I am using Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet, will my baby need extra monitoring?

No extra baby monitoring required while mother is using Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Plan B | Levonorgestrel Tablet in breastfeeding?

US
National Womens Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday

UK
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300-100-0212 9.30am to 9.30pm, daily
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300-330-5453
La Leche League: 0345-120-2918
The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300-456-2421
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700

Australia
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800-686-268 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Canada
Telehealth Ontario for breastfeeding: 1-866-797-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week