Is Bezafibrate compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Bezafibrate?

Bezafibrate

September 22, 2017 (Low Risk)

Bezafibrate, like other fibrates, decreases elevated blood lipids (triglycerides and cholesterol) by increasing the activity of lipases that catabolize triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and slightly decreasing cholesterol biosynthesis (AEMPS 2014, Actavis 2013, Miller 1998).
In general, fibrates have a discrete effect on the increase of high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration and the reduction of low density lipoprotein (LDL).

Since the last update we have not found published data in relation to breastfeeding.

Its high binding to plasma proteins makes it unlikely it will pass into breast milk.

Cholesterol levels in milk are very stable even in hypercholesterolemic women and are not severely affected by diet or nutritional status of the mother, suggesting that 3 is synthesized, at least in part, in the mammary gland (Lawrence 2016, p 289-90).
It is not probable therefore, but it is not known if the fibrates are able to alter the lipid composition of the milk.

Infants need to ingest large amounts of cholesterol, as it is critical to the proper development of the nervous system, cell membranes and is a precursor of several hormones and vitamins.

Until there is more data in relation to breastfeeding, it is prudent to avoid using it, at least while breastfeeding exclusively.
Suspending the pharmacological treatment of hyperlipidemia during breastfeeding is not likely to alter the long-term outcome of the disease, especially when breastfeeding can be considered therapeutic (Lawrence 2016, p.393).

It is advisable to follow a lipid-lowering diet.

In case of administering a fibrate during breastfeeding it is advisable to choose those with a shorter half-life: bezafibrate, gemfibrozil.


See below the information of this related product:

Alternatives

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Writings

  • Βενζαφιβράτη (Greek)
  • بيزافيبرات (Arabic)
  • Безафибрат (Cyrillic)
  • 苯扎贝特 (Chinese)
  • ベザフィブラート (Japanese)
  • Bézafibrate (French)
  • C19H20ClNO4 (Molecular formula)
  • Chlorobenzamidoethyl)phenoxy]-2-methylpropionic acid (Chemical name)

References

  1. Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding. A guide for the medical profession. Eighth Edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2016
  2. AEMPS. Bezafibrato. Ficha técnica. 2014 Full text (in our servers)
  3. Actavis. Bezafibrate. Drug Summary. 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  4. Miller DB, Spence JD. Clinical pharmacokinetics of fibric acid derivatives (fibrates). Clin Pharmacokinet. 1998Abstract