Desperate--ulcerative Colitis Meds and Breastfeeding

Updated on July 10, 2012
T.M. asks from Saint Louis, MO
10 answers

I was suddenly and unexpectedly diagnosed with ulcerative colitis this past Friday and immediately put on meds (Apriso, which is a mesalamine med) that my GI said were incompatible with breastfeeding. I was devastated and pumped and dumped until I could talk to my pediatrician on Monday, who independently told me the same thing. PLEASE, does anyone know of a med that IS compatible with breastfeeding? My baby is only 9 weeks old and I would love to breastfeed for a year like I did my other two children. My GI only offered this med as an option, and prescribed it right after my colonoscopy so I was a little out of it from anesthesia. I would be so grateful for any and all advice! Thank you in advance.

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So What Happened?

After researching as many sites/sources as possible, it seems most say the same thing about UC drugs--that there is very little data on how it affects infants through breastfeeding. It seems doctors differ on their interpretation of this information, however. Some, like my GI and pediatrician, are cautious and recommend not breastfeeding because side effects are unknown so it's seen as a risk. Others okay breastfeeding because there isn't evidence of negative outcomes, so just watch things and see. So I'm still torn and will need to discuss things with my hubby. Thanks to everyone for your encouraging words and advice.

More Answers

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S.B.

answers from Dallas on

I realize that this is heartbreaking for you. I suggest you call your GI doctor's office today and talk to a nurse or the doctor. Ask them, while you are not sedated, if there are any other medical options available that will not interfere with your breastfeeding. There may not be any medicines compatible with breastfeeding, so be prepared for that as well. As disappointing as this may be to you, you need to take care of your health. Untreated ulcerative colitis can lead to needed parts of your large intestine removed. This is a major life altering surgery. Your baby will be fine. This does not mean you are a failure. It does not mean you loved your other children more. It simply means a change of plans.

3 moms found this helpful
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☆.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Honey--a word off advice for you--what's important here is THAT you feed your baby, not HOW you feed your baby.

Let go of the guilt, anxiety and disappointment.

Your baby needs a healthy, happy mommy.

Formula is not poison.

3 moms found this helpful
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S.C.

answers from Des Moines on

Do NOT take ANY doctors word on whether or not a med is safe for breastfeeding. Almost all of the time they will cover their asses and say it's not safe instead of looking it up and taking the time to explain the real risks/benefits.

A VERY useful resource is the National Institutes of Health's lact-med database. You can look it up yourself and print off the information for your doctors if you need too.

the link is http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT

Almost any La Leche League leader can look up meds too-- you can find one near you at http://www.llli.org/webus.html

And the lactation consultant at the hospital you delivered at should also be able to help....

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J.T.

answers from New York on

Talk to your GI about trying to control it with diet. My sister has had UC for years but if I recall, when she was first diagnosed she was able to control it that way.

And more importantly, if you wind up needing meds, remember it is more important that you are there and healthy for your children than to be able to BF.

Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful

T.C.

answers from Austin on

When I had colitis type symptoms, I took Asacol and Cholestyramine. The cholestyramine is usually for lowering cholesterol, but seemed to help with other things. I don't know if either one is compatible with breastfeeding. The drug info just says discuss the risks with your doctor.

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M.B.

answers from Tampa on

My husband also has UC and he takes Asacol and my son who also has UC takes colozol. Not sure if those can be taken while breastfeeding but you can ask. Good luck

2 moms found this helpful
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D.G.

answers from Dallas on

Maybe you can find a breast milk bank near you.

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J.T.

answers from Dallas on

you need to speak to a pharmacist, that's gonna be your best option - since i'm married to one, i'll shoot him a quick email at work and see if he has time to offer any suggestions if there are any...

now, if there aren't any options - what you need to do is let go of the "shoulda, woulda, coulda"s and any guilt. what your baby NEEDS is a happy, healthy mommy - yes, breastmilk is "best", but sometimes that's just not to be, it's no reflection on you as a woman or a mother, it's just the way it is sometimes, your baby needs YOU, whole and healthy, and if you need those meds to be that way, so be it... i've been there, i had to quit nursing to dry my breasts up to have a tumor removed, the emotions are tough - take it easy on yourself :)

2 moms found this helpful
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B.H.

answers from Sacramento on

Asacol is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

1 mom found this helpful

D.B.

answers from Boston on

I have a friend who had terrible ulcerative colitis and, after 3 surgeries, was about to have a colostomy at age 30. The drugs made her worse, and she was choking down handfuls of pills which made her miserably. Her cousin also had colitis - family history. Cousin solved it with nutritional supplementation (not pills) and then told my friend about it - saved her colon and she is med free. If you would consider food as an option, let me know and I (and my friend) will help you!

1 mom found this helpful
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