Ribavirin Tablet Breastfeeding
American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical experts exclusively recommend to breastfeed the baby for first 6 months. Once you introduce baby to other foods it is recommended to breastfeed for at least first year of babys life. Taking medication while breastfeeding could be tricky as most drugs pass in breast milk. In this article we will evaluate Ribavirin Tablet for its safety in breastfeeding.

What is Ribavirin Tablet used for?


Ribavirin tablets in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a are indicated for the treatment of adults with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who have compensated liver disease and have not been previously treated with interferon alpha. Patients in whom efficacy was demonstrated included patients with compensated liver disease and histological evidence of cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A) and patients with HIV disease that is clinically stable (e.g., antiretroviral therapy not required or receiving stable antiretroviral therapy).

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

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

Ribavirin Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys


Ribavirin while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 36791-04-5

Synthetic drug and nucleoside analogue which is structurally related to guanine with antiviral activity. It is used in infants and newborns for treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adenovirus. Along with interferon for treatment of hepatitis C (authorized on these cases from the 3 years of life). At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk were found. Its large volume of distribution makes it unlikely that may occur the passage of significant amounts to the milk. Its low oral bioavailability hinder the passage toward infant’s plasma from ingested milk, except in preterm milk and immediate neonatal period, for which there may be an increased intestinal permeability. Since it is used as treatment on infants and its pharmacokinetic data are favorable, it should be regarded as compatible with breastfeeding for short-term exposures, however, to be cautiously used on long-term treatments.

Ribavirin Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Ribavirin while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 36791-04-5

Ribavirin has not been studied in nursing mothers being treated for hepatitis C infection. However, ribavirin is given directly to infants by inhalation to treat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The amount in milk is likely to be lower than the doses received by infants treated with ribavirin for RSV infection. Hepatitis C is not transmitted through breastmilk[1][2] and breastmilk has been shown to inactivate hepatitis C virus (HCV).[3][4] However, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that mothers with HCV infection should consider abstaining from breastfeeding if their nipples are cracked or bleeding. It is not clear if this warning would apply to mothers who are being treated for hepatitis C. Infants born to mothers with HCV infection should be tested for HCV infection; because maternal antibody is present for the first 18 months of life and before the infant mounts an immunologic response, nucleic acid testing is recommended.[1][2]


I already used Ribavirin Tablet and meanwhile I breastfed my baby should I be concerned?

Ribavirin Tablet is in the category of low risk, if you have already used it then its not a big deal if health and behavior of baby is good. However your health care provider shall be aware of the fact that you have used Ribavirin Tablet so you should inform him based on your convenience.


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

Though Ribavirin Tablet 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 Ribavirin Tablet, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Not much monitoring required while using Ribavirin Tablet


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Ribavirin Tablet 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

Drug Brands with same Active ingredients

Ribavirin Powder, For Solution
Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule
Virazole | Ribavirin Powder, For Solution