Is Levonorgestrel (Emergency Contraceptive) compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Levonorgestrel (Emergency Contraceptive)?

Levonorgestrel (Emergency Contraceptive)

August 12, 2014 (Very Low Risk)

72-hours post coital emergency contraceptive drug.

It is excreted into breast milk in non-significant levels. However, some authorities recommend to delay nursing for 4 hours after intake to further decrease any infant intake. Others do not consider it necessary or as much not longer than 3-4 hours.

Progestagens do not have effect on lactation or breastfed infants.

The American Academy of Pediatrics rates it compatible with breastfeeding.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Levonorgestrel (Emergency Contraceptive) since it is relatively safe.

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.

Synonyms

  • Emergency Contraceptive Pills (< 3 days)
  • Levonorgestrel (Plan B)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Batur P, Kransdorf LN, Casey PM. Emergency Contraception. Mayo Clin Proc. 2016Abstract
  2. Curtis KM, Tepper NK, Jatlaoui TC, Berry-Bibee E, Horton LG, Zapata LB, Simmons KB, Pagano HP, Jamieson DJ, Whiteman MK. U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2016. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2016Abstract
  3. Berens P, Labbok M; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Protocolo clínico de la ABM n.º 13: Anticoncepción durante la lactancia, revisado en 2015. Breastfeed Med. 2015 Full text (link to original source)
  4. Berens P, Labbok M; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. ABM Clinical Protocol #13: Contraception During Breastfeeding, Revised 2015. Breastfeed Med. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Department of Reproductive Health and Research World Health Organization. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use. WHO/RHR/15.07. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. WHO. Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use. 5th ed. Who Library. 2015 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Polakow-Farkash S, Gilad O, Merlob P, Stahl B, Yogev Y, Klinger G. Levonorgestrel used for emergency contraception during lactation-a prospective observational cohort study on maternal and infant safety. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2013Abstract
  8. Shaaban OM, Hassen SG, Nour SA, Kames MA, Yones EM. Emergency contraceptive pills as a backup for lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) of contraception: a randomized controlled trial. Contraception. 2013Abstract
  9. Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use, 2013: adapted from the World Health Organization selected practice recommendations for contraceptive use, 2nd edition. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Gainer E, Massai R, Lillo S, Reyes V, Forcelledo ML, Caviedes R, Villarroel C, Bouyer J. Levonorgestrel pharmacokinetics in plasma and milk of lactating women who take 1.5 mg for emergency contraception. Hum Reprod. 2007Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  11. Faculty of Family Planning & Reproductive Health Care. FFPRHC Guidance (July 2004): Contraceptive choices for breastfeeding women. J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care. 2004Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  12. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  13. AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs. Transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics. 2001Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)