Advair and Breastfeeding

It is not known if Advair is passed through breast milk to the nursing infant, since no research has been done on Advair and breastfeeding. However, because Advair occurs in the blood at very low levels, it is thought that the drug would not be passed through the breast milk in high enough doses to cause problems to the child. Therefore, it is thought that Advair is probably safe for many women who are breastfeeding.

 

An Overview of Advair and Breastfeeding

It is not known if Advair® (fluticasone and salmeterol) is passed through breast milk. Because of the potential serious side effects that could occur in the nursing infant, the manufacturer of Advair does not recommend that Advair be used in women who are breastfeeding. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know (prior to taking Advair) if you are breastfeeding or thinking of breastfeeding.
 

What Does the Research Say About Advair and Breastfeeding?

No research has been done to see if Advair is passed through breast milk in humans. Because the usual recommended dosage of Advair causes only very low levels of the medication in the blood, it is unlikely that Advair would be passed through breast milk at high enough levels to cause problems. Therefore, it is thought that Advair is probably safe for many women who are breastfeeding. If your healthcare provider recommends taking Advair while breastfeeding, be sure to watch for any side effects in your child.
 

Talking With Your Healthcare Provider About Advair and Breastfeeding

You should talk with your healthcare provider about Advair and breastfeeding. Everyone's situation is different, and your healthcare provider understands your situation best. After considering what you want and expect (and your current health situation), you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision about Advair and breastfeeding for your particular situation.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;