Valproic Acid Capsule while Breastfeeding

Q: I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Valproic Acid Capsule , is it safe?

Usage of Valproic Acid Capsule is safe for nursing mothers and baby, No worries.

It is recommended to breastfeed exclusively for six months and then while introducing to other food sources extend it to twelve months. In this duration most mothers will need help of some sort of medication, It could be for short term like could and flue or it could be something chronic like Arthritis or Diabetes and here comes the question of safety of medication in use. In this post we will figure out what is Valproic Acid Capsule and whether its safe to use Valproic Acid Capsule while nursing or not.

What is Valproic Acid Capsule used for?

Valproic Acid Capsules are an anti-epileptic drug indicated for: Monotherapy and adjunctive therapy of complex partial seizures; sole and adjunctive therapy of simple and complex absence seizures; adjunctive therapy in patients with multiple seizure types that include absence seizures ( 1) 1.1 Epilepsy Valproic Acid Capsules are indicated as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with complex partial seizures that occur either in isolation or in association with other types of seizures. Valproic Acid Capsules are indicated for use as sole and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple and complex absence seizures, and adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types which include absence seizures. Simple absence is defined as very brief clouding of the sensorium or loss of consciousness accompanied by certain generalized epileptic discharges without other detectable clinical signs. Complex absence is the term used when other signs are also present. See Warnings and Precaution ( 5.1) for statement regarding fatal hepatic dysfunction. 1.2 Important Limitations Because of the risk to the fetus of decreased IQ, neural tube defects, and other major congenital malformations, which may occur very early in pregnancy, valproate should not be administered to a woman of childbearing potential unless the drug is essential to the management of her medical condition [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2, 5.3, 5.4), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1), and Patient Counseling Information ( 17)] .

Is Valproic Acid Capsule usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?

Valproic Acid Capsule safe for breastfeeding

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

Valproic Acid Capsule Breastfeeding Analsys

Valproic acid while Breastfeeding

Safe

CAS Number: 99-66-1

It is excreted in breast milk in clinically non-significant amount without problems in the short or long term in infants whose mothers were treated. Plasma levels of these infants were undetectable or very low. Cognitive development did not suffer any alteration. An infant was presented with thrombocytopenic purpura and anemia who recovered after removing valproate in the mother. However, doubts were raised on whether it was instead a post-viral reaction that led to idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The administration of valproic acid does not affect prolactin levels. The American Academy of Pediatrics rates it as usual compatible with breastfeeding medication.WHO List of Essential Medicines 2002: compatible with breastfeeding.

Valproic Acid Capsule Breastfeeding Analsys - 2

Valproic acid while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 99-66-1

Breastfeeding during valproic acid monotherapy does not appear to adversely affect infant growth or development, and breastfed infants had higher IQs and enhanced verbal abilities than nonbreastfed infants at 6 years of age in one study.[1] If valproic acid is required by the mother, it is not necessarily a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. Because of the low levels of valproic acid in breastmilk and infant serum, no definite adverse reactions to valproic acid during breastfeeding have been reported. Theoretically, breastfed infants are at risk for valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity, so infants should be monitored for jaundice and other signs of liver damage during maternal therapy. A questionable case of thrombocytopenia has been reported, so monitor the infant for unusual bruising or bleeding. One author recommends monitoring infant serum valproate levels, platelets and liver enzymes during therapy.[1] Combination therapy with sedating anticonvulsants or psychotropics may result in infant sedation or withdrawal reactions.

What if I already have used Valproic Acid Capsule?

It is always a good idea to keep your healthcare provider or doctor informed about your drug usage during pregnancy and breastfeeding but if you have not informed your doctor about Valproic Acid Capsule and have used it then do not panic as Valproic Acid Capsule is mostly safe in breastfeeding and should not cause any harm to your baby.

I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Valproic Acid Capsule, is it safe?

Usage of Valproic Acid Capsule is safe for nursing mothers and baby, No worries.

If I am using Valproic Acid Capsule, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Valproic Acid Capsule 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