Is it safe to breastfeed on Valtrex?

Is It Safe to Breastfeed While Taking Valtrex?
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing their health while ensuring the safety of their infants. One common concern is whether it is safe to take medications like Valtrex (valacyclovir) during breastfeeding. Valtrex is an antiviral medication primarily used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses, including herpes simplex and shingles.
Understanding Valtrex and Its Effects on Breastfeeding
Valtrex is metabolized in the body to acyclovir, which is the active form of the drug. Research indicates that when a breastfeeding mother takes Valtrex, the amount of acyclovir that passes into breast milk is very low—less than 1% of the typical dosage given to infants. This minimal transfer means that it is not expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed babies .
Several studies have been conducted to assess the safety of acyclovir and valacyclovir during breastfeeding. These studies, which included participant pools ranging from 200 to over 1,500 births, reported no birth defects associated with the use of these medications. Furthermore, health experts generally consider Valtrex to be a safe option for breastfeeding mothers, with no special precautions required.
Expert Recommendations
Organizations such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and various health forums emphasize that the low levels of acyclovir in breast milk do not pose a risk to infants. In fact, the consensus among healthcare professionals is that the benefits of treating the mother’s viral infection with Valtrex outweigh any potential risks to the breastfeeding child.
However, as with any medication, it is crucial for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting Valtrex. Individual health circumstances can vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on the mother’s health history and the specifics of her condition.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding while taking Valtrex is generally considered safe. The low concentration of the drug in breast milk and the absence of reported adverse effects in infants support this conclusion. Nevertheless, mothers should always engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their babies.

How long does Valtrex stay in your system?

Valtrex stays in the body for about 24 hours after ingestion and is eliminated from the system if another dose isn’t taken. It can take up to 10 days for Valtrex to start working. The amount of time it takes your symptoms to go away will depend on your age, the severity of your symptoms, and your metabolism.

Can you breastfeed while on Valtrex?

Herpes can be a serious, life-threatening infection for a newborn. Cold sores occur commonly around the time of delivery, so it is important to treat cold sores aggressively to prevent transmission to a newborn baby. Aciclovir cream, aciclovir or valaciclovir tablets are all considered safe while breastfeeding.

Is Valtrex safe for babies?

[6], [7] Both acyclovir and valacyclovir have good safety profiles in pregnant women and infants and have not been associated with congenital malformations or infant toxicity.

What to avoid while on Valtrex?

Common medications that may interact with valacyclovir include:

• cimetidine.
• clopidogrel.
• clozapine.
• hepatitis B medications, such as entecavir.
• some vaccinations, such as varicella virus or zoster virus vaccine.
• NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen.
• other antivirals, such as acyclovir.
• probenecid.

Can you be on Valtrex while pregnant?

Valtrex’s Effect on the Mother
According to studies conducted on pregnant women taking Valtrex, the medication has not been found to be associated with an increased risk of birth defects or adverse outcomes.

Is valacyclovir the same as Valtrex?

Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is an antiviral medication used for treating infections caused by herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus, such as cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles, and chickenpox. It’s available as a tablet.

How long does acyclovir stay in your breast milk?

Acyclovir Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Milk samples were taken every 6 hours after the last dose. The peak level was 7.3 mg/L and the drug was detectable in milk for up to 88 hours after the last dose.

What are the effects of acyclovir on a baby?

Common acyclovir side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms usually disappear as your child’s body adjusts to the medication. Other common side effects include loss of appetite and headache.

Can you breastfeed while on antiviral medication?

It is likely that only tiny amounts will get into your breast milk which would not be expected to cause any problems in your baby. Make sure that your baby does not come into contact with areas where you’ve used the medicine.

Does valacyclovir affect baby?

Answer Studies have shown that the use of acyclovir or valacyclovir is not associated with an increase in birth defects.