Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant Breastfeeding
Modern medicine has evolved so much so that sooner or later every breastfeeding mother needs to take it in one form or other. Medication that is present in mothers blood will transfer into her breast milk to some extent. Most drugs do so at low levels and pose no real risk to infants but then there are some exceptions. In This post will discuss whether Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant is safe in breast-feeding or not.

What is Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant used for?


OZURDEX ® is a corticosteroid indicated for: The treatment of macular edema following branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) or central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) (1.1) The treatment of non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye (1.2) The treatment of diabetic macular edema (1.3) 1.1 Retinal Vein Occlusion OZURDEX ® (dexamethasone intravitreal implant) is indicated for the treatment of macular edema following branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) or central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). 1.2 Posterior Segment Uveitis OZURDEX ® is indicated for the treatment of non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye. 1.3 Diabetic Macular Edema OZURDEX ® is indicated for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant while breastfeeding safe or not? Can there be any side effects for infant while using it during breastfeeding?

Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant low risk for breastfeeding
Dexamethasone is the one and only active ingredient present in Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant. Dexamethasone in itself is a low risk drug for lactation so it is easy to understand that Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant also comes in category of Low Risk item while breastfeeding. Below is the summary of Dexamethasone in breastfeeding.

Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant Breastfeeding Analsys


Dexamethasone while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 50-02-2

Pharmacokinetic data indicate that excretion into breast milk in significant levels is possible, hence for long term treatments other steroids with lower excretion would be advisable. Other steroids (Betamethasone) that are administered prior to delivery can produce a delay of Lactogenesis phase II (milk's coming in) and a decrease of milk production within the first post-partum week. Intra-articular injected large doses of other steroids (Triamcinolone, Methylprednisolone) may transiently affect milk production. A decrease of prolactin release after administration of dexamethasone has been observed that may decrease milk production mostly in the first post-partum weeks. Topical use: Because of a low absorption through skin significant excretion into breast milk is unlikely. Additionally, a high protein binding makes excretion even more unlikely. Whenever a treatment for nipple eczema or dermatitis is required the lowest potency steroid compound should be used. It should be applied right after the feed to make sure it has disappeared before the next nursing occurs. Otherwise, wipe cream out with a clean gauze. Do not continuously use for longer than a week. Reportedly, a case of mineral-steroid toxicity has occurred due to continuous use of cream on the nipple. Creams, gels or similar products that contain paraffin or mineral oil should not be used on the nipple to avoid absorption by the infant. Corticoids are frequently prescribed in Pediatrics with no side effects on the infant when indicated for short-term or sporadical use. On nursing mothers a timely use or not long-term treatment is compatible with breastfeeding along with the assessment of milk production. WHO Model List of Essential Drugs 2002: Compatible with breastfeeding in single dose. No data is available on long-term use.


Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Dexamethasone while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 50-02-2

Because no information is available on the use of systemic dexamethasone during breastfeeding, an alternate corticosteroid may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Local injections, such as for tendinitis, would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, but might occasionally cause temporary loss of milk supply.



I am nursing mother and I have already used Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant, what should I do?

During whole lactation period you shall first discuss with your doctor and then together you shall decide whether you shall take that drug or not however if you have already taken Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant then you shall inform your doctor, But you should not be worried too much as Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant comes in category of low risk drug.


I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant, is it safe?

Though Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant dose not comes in category of safe drugs rather it comes in category of low risk but if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding your baby and has still recommended it then its advantages must be outweighing the risks.


If I am using Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Not much


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Ozurdex | Dexamethasone Implant 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