CAS Number: 446-86-6
Even though it is metabolized to mercaptopurine, just tiny amounts of this drug have been found in breast milk (4 - 18 micrograms/liter). Among several breastfed infants of mothers who were treated with Azathioprine failed to be detected in the blood nor side effects were found. Long-term infectious diseases were not more common among exposed infants. Exposition would be minimized if nursing is resumed 3 hours after last dose.
CAS Number: 446-86-6
Most experts consider breastfeeding during azathioprine to be acceptable.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Studies in women with inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus or transplantation taking doses of azathioprine up to 200 mg daily for immunosuppression have found either low or unmeasurable levels of the active metabolites in milk and infant serum. Some evidence indicates a lack of adverse effects on the health and development of infants exposed to azathioprine during breastfeeding up to 3.5 years of age, but long-term follow-up for effects such as carcinogenesis have not been performed. Mothers with decreased activity of the enzyme that detoxifies azathioprine metabolites may transmit higher levels of drug to their infants in breastmilk. Cases of mild, asymptomatic neutropenia have been reported, so it might be desirable to monitor exclusively breastfed infants with a complete blood count with differential, and liver function tests if azathioprine is used during lactation, although some authors feel that monitoring is unnecessary.[9] Avoiding breastfeeding for 4 hours after a dose should markedly decrease the dose received by the infant in breastmilk.[10]
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 Azasan | Azathioprine Tablet and have used it then do not panic as Azasan | Azathioprine Tablet is mostly safe in breastfeeding and should not cause any harm to your baby.
Definitely, Azasan | Azathioprine Tablet is safe in lactation for baby. No wonder your doctor has recommended it.
No extra baby monitoring required while mother is using Azasan | Azathioprine Tablet
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
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National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700
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