Is Calcitonin safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Calcitonin. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
A woman with discoid lupus was taking subcutaneous calcitonin 0.5 mL every other day, azathioprine 100 mg daily, warfarin 2.5 mg every 2 days, prednisone 10 mg daily, calcitriol 0.25 mcg every 2 days, acetaminophen 650 mg twice daily, and calcium, vitamin E, and vitamin C. She was specifically evaluated for the safety of azathioprine during lactation, but continued to nurse for 12 months. Infant follow-up at 15 months of age found normal growth and development.[ 6 ]
Effects on milk supply
Calcitonin products contain a warning that it should be avoided in nursing mothers because of animal data indicating that calcitonin can lower serum prolactin. The only human data consist of small studies performed in men and nonlactating w omen, some with normal and some with elevated serum prolactin. Several of the studies found a decrease in serum prolactin after calcitonin infusion.[ 7 - 10 ] Another small study found that IV infusion of human calcitonin did not lower serum prolactin in healthy volunteers who had normal serum prolactin at baseline.[ 11 ] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date. Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Source: NIH LactMed (National Library of Medicine).
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.