Methotrexate Tablet while Breastfeeding

What is Methotrexate Tablet used for?

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

Methotrexate while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 59-05-2

After a single dose of 65 mg (50 mg/square meter of body surface) as used for abortion no trace has been found in mother’s milk. For this reason it is considered to be safe for the infant while nursing under such an instance. Some authors considered it also to be safe when used on a weekly basis for the long-term treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and other Auto-immune diseases since few or nil presence in mother’s milk has been shown, although blood level testing in the infant is recommended. It can minimize exposure interrupting breastfeeding 24 hours after taking the drug, removing and discarding the milk. It is not recommended to nurse when used for treatment of cancer. Drug is cleared from the body after 6 elimination half-lives. Resuming breastfeeding after 4 days of breast milk pump and dump is likely safe .

Methotrexate while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 59-05-2

Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal high-dose antineoplastic drug therapy with methotrexate. An abstinence period of at least 1 week after chemotherapy doses of methotrexate has been suggested.[1] Chemotherapy may adversely affect the normal microbiome and chemical makeup of breastmilk.[2] Women who receive chemotherapy during pregnancy are more likely to have difficulty nursing their infant.[3] Limited information indicates that a maternal dose of methotrexate up to 92 mg (1.12 mg/kg) produces low levels in milk, leading some authors to state that low single or weekly doses, such as those used for ectopic pregnancy or rheumatoid arthritis, are of low risk to the breastfed infant,[4][5][6][7][8] although some expert opinion warns against this use.[9][10][11][12][13] Withholding breastfeeding for 24 hours after a weekly low lose of methotrexate may decrease the infant's dose by 40%.[14][15] If breastfeeding during long-term, low-dose methotrexate use is undertaken, monitoring of the infant's complete blood count and differential could be considered.

I am nursing mother and I have already used Methotrexate Tablet, what should I do?

I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Methotrexate Tablet, is it safe?

If I am using Methotrexate Tablet, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Methotrexate Tablet in breastfeeding?