Can you take sodium ferric gluconate complex 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.
No information is available on the use of sodium ferric gluconate complex during breastfeeding. Ferrlecit contains 9 mg/mL of benzyl alcohol, which may enter breastmilk and be absorbed by the infant. An alternate intravenous drug with more published data available may be preferred. For additional information on iron use during breastfeeding, see the monograph on Iron Salts.
Quoted from Sodium Ferric Gluconate Complex — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised September 15, 2023.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of sodium ferric gluconate complex. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much sodium ferric gluconate complex 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 sodium ferric gluconate complex while breastfeeding?
No information is available on the use of sodium ferric gluconate complex during breastfeeding. 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 sodium ferric gluconate complex while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Ferric Carboxymaltose, Ferric Derisomaltose, Iron Sucrose 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 sodium ferric gluconate complex pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for sodium ferric gluconate complex are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking sodium ferric gluconate complex?
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 sodium ferric gluconate complex
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.