Prednisone and Breastfeeding

If you are taking prednisone and breastfeeding, you should watch for any side effects in your nursing infant. This is because prednisone passes through breast milk, and it could potentially cause serious side effects in a nursing infant. It is important to talk with your healthcare provider about prednisone and breastfeeding for your particular situation, since everyone's situation is different.

 

An Overview of Prednisone and Breastfeeding

Prednisone passes through breast milk. Because of the potentially serious side effects that could occur in the nursing infant, the manufacturers of prednisone recommend that healthcare providers consider the benefits and risks of using prednisone while breastfeeding before prescribing the medicine to a breastfeeding woman. Therefore, if you have been prescribed prednisone and are breastfeeding or thinking of breastfeeding, make sure to let your healthcare provider know.
 

What Does the Research Say About Prednisone and Breastfeeding?

Prednisone passes through breast milk in very low amounts. Many healthcare providers consider prednisone to be safe for breastfeeding women (especially if taken at lower dosages). If your healthcare provider recommends taking prednisone while breastfeeding, be sure to watch for any side effects in your child.
 

Talking With Your Healthcare Provider About Prednisone and Breastfeeding

You should talk with your healthcare provider about prednisone and breastfeeding. Everyone's situation is different, and your healthcare provider understands your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision about prednisone and breastfeeding for your particular situation.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;