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Macugen and Breastfeeding
No clinical studies have been conducted on the possible link between Macugen and breastfeeding. If the medicine does pass through breast milk, however, serious problems could occur in the nursing infant. Since there are potential risks involved, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking Macugen and breastfeeding at the same time (or are thinking of breastfeeding).
Currently, it is not known if Macugen® (pegaptanib sodium) passes through breast milk in women. If it does pass through breast milk, it might cause problems in a breastfed infant. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or thinking of starting, make sure to let your healthcare provider know.
However, it should be noted that Macugen is used to treat wet macular degeneration that is associated with aging, which is most likely to affect older people. It is unlikely that a young woman would need to take Macugen.
No studies have been conducted on whether Macugen passes through breast milk. If the drug does pass though breast milk, it could cause serious problems. If your healthcare provider recommends taking Macugen while breastfeeding, be sure to watch for any side effects in your child.
You should talk with your healthcare provider about Macugen and breastfeeding. Everyone's situation is different, and your healthcare provider understands your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision about Macugen and breastfeeding that is right for you.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD