It is recommended to breastfeed exclusively for six months and then while introducing to other food sources extend it to twelve months. In this duration most mothers will need help of some sort of medication, It could be for short term like could and flue or it could be something chronic like Arthritis or Diabetes and here comes the question of safety of medication in use. In this post we will figure out what is Iluvien | Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant and whether its safe to use Iluvien | Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant while nursing or not.
What is Iluvien | Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant used for?
ILUVIENĀ® (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant) 0.19 mg is indicated for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in patients who have been previously treated with a course of corticosteroids and did not have a clinically significant rise in intraocular pressure. ILUVIEN contains a corticosteroid and is indicated for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in patients who have been previously treated with a course of corticosteroids and did not have a clinically significant rise in intraocular pressure. (1)
What are the risk associated with Iluvien | Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant usage while breastfeeding? What precautions shall I take while using it in breastfeeding?
Active ingredient in Iluvien | Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant is Fluocinolone acetonide and based on our analysis of Fluocinolone acetonide it appears that using Iluvien | Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant is safe in breastfeeding. Below is analysis of Fluocinolone acetonide while breastfeeding.
Statement of Manufacturer/Labeler about breastfeeding usage
8.3 Nursing Mothers Systemically administered corticosteroids are present in human milk and could suppress growth and interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production. The systemic concentration of fluocinolone acetonide following intravitreal treatment with ILUVIEN is low [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. It is not known whether intravitreal treatment with ILUVIEN could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. Exercise caution when ILUVIEN is administered to a nursing woman.
Iluvien | Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant Breastfeeding Analsys
SafeCAS Number: 67-73-2
Because of a low absorption through skin significant excretion into breast milk is unlikely. Whenever a treatment for nipple eczema or dermatitis is required the lowest potency steroid compound should be used. It should be applied right after the feed to make sure it has disappeared before the next nursing occurs. Otherwise, wipe cream out with a clean gauze. Do not continuously use for longer than a week. Reportedly, a case of mineral-steroid toxicity has occurred due to continuous use of cream on the nipple. Creams, gels or similar products that contain paraffin or mineral oil should not be used on the nipple to avoid absorption by the infant.

What if I already have used Iluvien | Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant?
As usage of Iluvien | Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant is mostly safe while breastfeeding hence there should not be any concern. In case of any change in behavior or health of your baby you should inform your health care provider about usage of Iluvien | Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant else no further action is required.
I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Iluvien | Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant, is it safe?
Usage of Iluvien | Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant is safe for nursing mothers and baby, No worries.
If I am using Iluvien | Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant, will my baby need extra monitoring?
No
Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Iluvien | Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant 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