Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release Breastfeeding
Most health expert recommend six month of exclusive breastfeeding but statics suggest that numbers are not good, almost 95% mothers start breastfeeding but this number drops to 40% in first three month and further it drops to 15% till fifth month. Sometime its due to need of medication usage. Because of these statics its important to provide good information on safety of drugs in breastfeeding so that it can be improved when possible. In this FAQ sheet we will discuss about exposure to Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release while breastfeeding. We will also discuss about common side effects and warnings associated with Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release.

What is Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release used for?


Vivelle-Dot® (estradiol transdermal system) is indicated in: Treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with the menopause. Treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy associated with the menopause. When prescribing solely for the treatment of symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, topical vaginal products should be considered. Treatment of hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, castration, or primary ovarian failure. Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. When prescribing solely for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, therapy should only be considered for women at significant risk of osteoporosis and non-estrogen medications should be carefully considered. The mainstays for decreasing the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis are weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and when indicated, pharmacologic therapy. Postmenopausal women require an average of 1500 mg/day of elemental calcium. Therefore, when not contraindicated, calcium supplementation may be helpful for women with suboptimal dietary intake. Vitamin D supplementation of 400-800 IU/day may also be required to ensure adequate daily intake in postmenopausal women.

Is using Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release unsafe in breastfeeding? Can there be bad consequences for baby if I use it while breastfeeding?

Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release low risk for breastfeeding
Estradiol is the one and only active ingredient present in Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release. Estradiol in itself is a low risk drug for lactation so it is easy to understand that Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release also comes in category of Low Risk item while breastfeeding. Below is the summary of Estradiol in breastfeeding.

Statement of Manufacturer/Labeler about breastfeeding usage
G. Nursing Mothers. Estrogen administration to nursing mothers has been shown to decrease the quantity and quality of the milk. Detectable amounts of estrogens have been identified in the milk of mothers receiving this drug. Caution should be exercised when Vivelle-Dot is administered to a nursing woman.

Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release Breastfeeding Analsys


Estradiol while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 50-28-2

A natural Estrogen that is marketed for oral, injection and topical administration (skin and vaginal).On the chemical form of valerate, it is used in association with a progestin as a combined birth-control compound (e.g. Estradiol + Dienogest) Estradiol is excreted into breast milk in clinically non-significant amount (Nilson 1978) and no problems have been observed in infants whose mothers were treated (Pinheiro 2016). Plasma levels of these infants were undetectable or very low (Pinheiro 2016). After administration in the form of transdermal patches milk levels have been undetectable (Pinheiro 2016, Perheentupa 2004). Despite these data, an older publication associated the use of transdermal estradiol with a case of jaundice and poor weight gain (Ball 1999).There is greater passage to milk when the administration is vaginal. There is evidence (albeit inconsistent) that estrogen-containing pills may decrease milk production, especially during the first few weeks postpartumThey may reduce the protein content of the milk. No problems have been observed in infants whose mothers were treated, except some cases of transient gynecomastia in infants whose mothers were receiving a higher dose than usual. Estrogen exposure in childhood or adolescence, does not influence the subsequent production of milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that this medication is usually compatible with breastfeeding.


Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Estradiol while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 50-28-2

Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release and breastfeeding

Limited information on the use of estradiol during breastfeeding indicates that the route of administration and dosage form have influences on the amount transferred into breastmilk. Vaginal administration results in measurable amounts in milk, but transdermal patches do not. Maternal doses of up to 200 mcg daily transdermally do not increase estradiol or estriol in breastfed infants or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Vaginal administration results in unpredictable peak times for estradiol in breastmilk, so timing of the dose with respect to breastfeeding is probably not useful. A case report of inadequate milk production and inadequate infant weight gain was possibly caused by transdermal estradiol initiated on the first day postpartum, but 2 small studies found no such effect when the drug was initiated after lactation was well established.


Is Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release safe while breastfeeding

What should I do if already breastfed my kid after using Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release?

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 Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release then you shall inform your doctor, But you should not be worried too much as Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release comes in category of low risk drug.


My health care provider has asked me to use Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release, what to do?

Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release comes in category of low risk and if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding it should be ok to use without much concerns.


If I am using Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Not much


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Vivelle Dot | Estradiol Patch, Extended Release 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