Can you take gadoversetamide while breastfeeding?
What LactMed says
The National Library of Medicine’s own summary, quoted in full. We do not write a verdict of our own on this question, and we do not compress theirs into a label.
Gadoversetamide has been withdrawn from the market in the US and several other countries. There is no published experience with gadoversetamide during breastfeeding. Gadoversetamide releases more free gadolinium than some other gadolinium-containing contrast agents. Some European guidelines recommend a 24-hour interruption of breastfeeding after a dose, but guidelines developed by North American professional organizations state that breastfeeding need not be disrupted after a nursing mother receives a gadolinium-containing contrast medium. An alternative drug is preferred.
Quoted from Gadoversetamide — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised December 15, 2025.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of gadoversetamide. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
- Gadobutrol
- Gadoteridol
- Gadoterate
How much gadoversetamide gets into breastmilk
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.
What has been seen in breastfed infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take gadoversetamide while breastfeeding?
Gadoversetamide has been withdrawn from the market in the US and several other countries. The full record is quoted on this page, and the decision is one to make with the person who prescribed it — LactMed itself states it is not a substitute for professional judgement.
What can I take instead of gadoversetamide while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Gadobutrol, Gadoteridol, Gadoterate as alternate drugs to consider. That is the database's own list for this drug — whether any of them suits you depends on what you are treating.
Does gadoversetamide pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for gadoversetamide are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking gadoversetamide?
LactMed does not frame its records that way — it reports measured drug levels in milk and what has been observed in breastfed infants, which is what this page quotes. "Pump and dump" advice for a specific drug and dose should come from your clinician or a pharmacist, not from a general rule.
More on gadoversetamide
LactMed states that the information it presents is not a substitute for professional judgement, and that you should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Nothing on this page is medical advice.