Zofran while breastfeeding?

[willow5]

We are considering TTC, but I suffered HG with DS3. So I'm wanting to know if anyone has taken Zofran while BF? Just in case we go ahead and I need to take it. I'd rather not wean. I've been trying to find info but it's basically not known if it passes through to breast milk or how much. I did read somewhere that it was an L2 drug which is likely safe for BF, but looking through the list on Kellymom I couldn't see it as an approved drug for BF.
Does anyone one know if it is rated as safe? Or have you used it while BF and were there any problems?

[Ryatha]

I had it when pregnant so I would assume its safe for bf, I'll have a check for you.

[Ryatha]

Just checked and it's category b. so safe when bf'ing.

[willow5]

Thanks for that Ryatha. I didn't realise cat B referred to BF as well, so thanks for the double info
I did take it while pg with DS3 too but still wasn't sure if the filtering from the placenta helped eliminate any meds from bub as opposed to doing it all them selves after they're born. I guess it's filtered through the boobs before they get it...well in theory IYKWIM

[willow5]

Category B is still not really know to have adverse effects though isn't it?

[Bloom]

Hello there!

Yup, zofran is safe to have while breast feeding. I was given it when I had a gallbladder attack and then surgery while DS1 was 6 weeks old and bf.

Hope this helps!

Re Cat B drugs: basically my GP safe that it is quite difficult to get drugs classified as Cat A now due to more rigorous ethical requirements for trials. Older drugs tend to be Cat A because "back then" they would give them to prisoners etc. with less "ethical issues" than are now required to be addressed today. Also, older drugs have a longer history of testing and usage, so have had more time to prove themselves. My GP looked at the literature and said that many drugs (zofran included) are as safe as Cat A drugs in her opinion, but just haven't actually had the volume and nature of trials done on them due to the costs and ethical issues mentioned above.
As always the small potential side effects need to be balanced against the therapeutic benefits gained and the lack/availability of alternatives.

[Kmn]

You also have to consider the relative dose - you have a 2yo, who is probably well over 10 kilos and is having quite a bit of food as well as some breastmilk. So the "dose" your child is getting is a lot less relative to a 4 kilo baby drinking a litre of breastmilk a day!

If you have any concerns, call one of the obstetric pharmacy lines. I've used the one at Monash before (03 9594 2361) and they were great - they go through the options to treat whatever the condition is, and let you know which are the safest medications and why. They also let you know which drugs for that condition need to be completely avoided.