Levetiracetam Injection while Breastfeeding
What is Levetiracetam Injection used for?
Is Levetiracetam Injection usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?
8.3 Nursing Mothers Levetiracetam is excreted in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from LEVETIRACETAM, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Levetiracetam Injection Breastfeeding Analsys
Levetiracetam while Breastfeeding
SafeCAS Number: 102767-28-2
Piracetam analog with nootropic and anti-epileptic effect. Authorized for use in children in Europe. Excreted into breast milk but infant serum levels were shown to be low. No other side effect than one case of hypotonia in a 7 days old premature whose mother was also on anti-epileptic medication. Seizures along with neonatal abstinence syndrome in a botlle fed neonate whose mother had taken Levetiracetam and Phenobarbital in pregnancy ocurred. Symptoms disappeared after initiation of breastfeeding.
Levetiracetam Injection Breastfeeding Analsys - 2
Levetiracetam while Breastfeeding
CAS Number: 102767-28-2
Maternal doses of levetiracetam up to 3500 mg daily produce low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months. If levetiracetam is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. However, the infant should be monitored for drowsiness, adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants and when using combinations of anticonvulsants. Maternal serum level monitoring and dosage adjustment is advisable in the early postpartum period if the drug was taken throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.[1] Some evidence suggests that levetiracetam might reduce the maternal breastmilk supply in some women.
What should I do if already breastfed my kid after using Levetiracetam Injection?
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 Levetiracetam Injection and have used it then do not panic as Levetiracetam Injection 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 Levetiracetam Injection, is it safe?
Definitely, Levetiracetam Injection is safe in lactation for baby. No wonder your doctor has recommended it.
If I am using Levetiracetam Injection, will my baby need extra monitoring?
No extra baby monitoring required while mother is using Levetiracetam Injection
Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Levetiracetam Injection 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