Breastfeeding and Medications

The benefits of breastfeeding are important to both mother and baby. Not every medication poses a risk during breast feeding but some do. It is important to discuss your medications with your doctor.

Safe in Breastfeeding

The following medications can be used safely while Breastfeeding:

• NSAIDs
• Prednisone
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Sulfasalazine with folic acid 5 mg/day
• Azathioprine at less than 2mg/kg/day
• IVIG
• Etanercept
• Certolizumab
• Infliximab
• Golimumab
• Adalimumab

Use with CAUTION in Breastfeeding

Some medications must be used with caution while breastfeeding. Discuss these with your rheumatologist:

• Cyclosporine
• Tacrolimus

AVOID in Breastfeeding

The following medications are NOT SAFE while breastfeeding:

• Methotrexate
• Leflunomide
• Cyclophosphamide
• Mycophenolate

There is not enough data on the safety of the following medications while breastfeeding: Anakinra, Tocilizumab, Tofacitinib, Ustekinumab, Belimumab, Abatacept, and Rituximab.