Is Alimta Safe While Breastfeeding?
Alimta® (
pemetrexed) is a prescription chemotherapy medication. The manufacturer does not recommend that women take it while breastfeeding, due to the unknown risks. Therefore, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you take Alimta and are breastfeeding or thinking of starting.
What Does the Research Say?
No studies have been conducted to see whether or not Alimta passes through breast milk. Therefore, there is no research to help guide a woman (or her healthcare providers) when trying to decide whether to take this drug while breastfeeding.
Because Alimta is a chemotherapy medication with the potential to cause serious side effects, your healthcare provider will probably recommend against taking it while breastfeeding, just in case it does pass through breast milk. However, you and your healthcare provider must consider the benefit of Alimta to you, the benefits of breastfeeding for your baby, and the possible unknown risks of Alimta to your baby.
Talking With Your Healthcare Provider About Breastfeeding and Alimta
You should discuss
Alimta use while breastfeeding with your healthcare provider. Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, the two of you can make a shared decision that is right for you.
