Is Isotretinoin safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Isotretinoin. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
A woman who had weaned her infant 18 months previously developed a nipple discharge from her right breast after 5.5 months of therapy with isotretinoin. Microbiological, hormonal (including prolactin), radiologic, and physical examinations were otherwise normal. One month after discontinuing isotretinoin, the discharge ceased. After isotretinoin was reinstituted at the same dose, the discharge reappeared within 10 days.[ 1 ] The galactorrhea was probably caused by isotretinoin. A review of adverse reaction reports on retinoids causing a breast reaction submitted to a French pharmacovigilance center found 22 cases of gynecomastia was associated with isotretinoin use. Fourteen of the cases were gynecomastia, 6 were galactorrhea and 2 were of both gynecomastia and galactorrhea. Gynecomastia and/or galactorrhea was unilateral for almost half of the reported retinoid cases. The median time of onset was 90 days (IQR 39 to 347 days). The outcome was known for 27 of 31 patients and a total recovery after withdrawal of retinoid was observed for 63% of them.[ 2 ]
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.
Alternatives LactMed lists
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.