Breastfeeding whilst taking high levels of labetalol and nifedipine

[TBCoalman]

Does anyone know - is it safe to breastfeed whilst taking 1600mg labetalol and 20mg nifedipine? Or do you know where I could find out?

It's by the by really -DD is 10 months old now, and I switched to formula on day 3 as I couldn't find any answers at the time -and was too shell shocked and disorientated from the meds to push for an answer.

I asked the community midwife after I was discharged if it was safe to bf whilst taking this level of meds, her response was 'Well you have taken your decision, it's not what I would have done, but you are happy with it and that is what matters'.

So from this I guess it IS safe? I'd like to know before having another child, but I'm not sure who to ask next. I've tried googling, but everything I've found discusses much lower amounts of meds.

TIA

Hi TBC

Here are the links to the Summary of Product Characteristics - there is a section on Pregnancy and Lactation.

emc.medicines.org.uk/medicine/4860/SPC/Trandate+Tablets+50mg%2c+100mg%2c+200mg+or+400mg/

emc.medicines.org.uk/medicine/20531/SPC/Adalat+LA+20/#PREGNANCY

I'm not sure if I have linked to the correct one for you for the labelalol, if not then use this link and enter the product name in the search field and then choose the correct SPC (the PIL is also there but this is the more basic information that you will have in the carton anyway).

emc.medicines.org.uk/default.aspx

If you have concerns it is a good idea to call the company (the phone number is at the top of the page) and ask to speak to the medical information department who may be able to provide you with more detailed information (although it depends on what studies they have done and what information they are able to release to you - but note that if any proven side effects related to breastfeeding they would have to be shown in this document - in the undesirable effects section). I'm not medically qualified so do seek medical advice but I imagine that the pharmaceutical company will advise you that they do not have sufficient data to be able to recommend breastfeeding whist taking either of these medications (but that does not necessarily mean any harm done though).

I hope this helps and that I've not given you cause for concern.

Oh, and sorry to hear you didn't receive adequate support when you had DD.

Thank you MiniMarmite - thats a lot of information! I've had a brief read through and it seems that I made an okay decision to stop breastfeeding, based on the available information.

Hopefully if I ever do have another, and it happens again there will be more information showing bf to be safe (fingers crossed).

Good idea to contact the company -seems obvious but I just got too stuck to think!