Is Auranofin safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what LactMed, the Drugs and Lactation Database published by the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), reports about Auranofin. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Excretion of gold into milk after auranofin has not been studied. Case reports with other gold salts indicate that gold appears in milk in small quantities and at least a little of it is absorbed because it is detectable in the infant's urine. No convincing cases of toxicity have been reported. Opinions of authors of review articles vary from recommending avoidance to allowing use.[1-5] Monitoring for possible adverse effects in the breastfed infant would seem prudent.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Four infants reportedly have been breastfed during maternal gold therapy (including gold sodium thiomalate and gold aurothioglucose).[6-9] Transient facial edema occurred in an 18-month-old infant, 3 months after the mother's treatment stopped.[6] The reaction was possibly due to gold in the mother's milk ingested by the infant.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
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.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Auranofin” (LM18). LactMed on NCBI Bookshelf. LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.