Can you take sibutramine 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.
Sibutramine is no longer marketed in the United States. Because there is no published experience with sibutramine during breastfeeding, an alternate therapy may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Information on the effect of sibutramine on serum prolactin is somewhat conflicting.
Quoted from Sibutramine — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised January 20, 2020.
How much sibutramine 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
In a study of hypocaloric diet plus sibutramine in overweight and obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, no change was seen in serum prolactin levels over the 6-month study period.
A woman developed amenorrhea-galactorrhea syndrome shortly after starting therapy with sibutramine for weight loss. Her serum prolactin was elevated, but returned to normal within 15 days of discontinuing sibutramine. It remained in the normal range during the 180-day follow-up period.
The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take sibutramine while breastfeeding?
Sibutramine is no longer marketed in the United States. 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.
Does sibutramine pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for sibutramine are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking sibutramine?
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 sibutramine
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.