Can you take valganciclovir 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.
Valganciclovir is rapidly converted to ganciclovir. Several factors might affect the decision to use valganciclovir in a nursing mother. No information is available on the clinical use of ganciclovir or valganciclovir during breastfeeding. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can be transmitted to infants though breastmilk, with preterm and immunocompromised infants at greatest risk. No information is available on any changes in the risk of transmission if the mother is being treated with ganciclovir or valganciclovir. Although the manufacturer recommends avoiding breastfeeding during valganciclovir use because of the risk of infant drug toxicity, neonates with CMV infections are often treated directly with ganciclovir or valganciclovir. If the mother has a concurrent infection with HIV, breastfeeding is not recommended in the United States and other developed countries.
Quoted from Valganciclovir — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised August 16, 2021.
How much valganciclovir 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 valganciclovir while breastfeeding?
Valganciclovir is rapidly converted to ganciclovir. 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 valganciclovir pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for valganciclovir are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking valganciclovir?
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 valganciclovir
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.