Is Leucovorin 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 Leucovorin. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Leucovorin (citrovorum factor; folinic acid) and its levo- isomer, levoleucovorin, are folic acid derivatives that are normal components of breastmilk.[1,2] Because leucovorin and levoleucovorin are used as therapeutic agents with potentially toxic drugs such as fluorouracil or methotrexate, the LactMed record of the drug it is used with should be consulted.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
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.
“No published information” means the studies do not exist yet — not that Leucovorin is known to be harmful, and not that it is known to be safe. Your prescriber or pharmacist can weigh your baby's age and whether a better-studied alternative would do the same job. Worth asking before stopping a medicine you need.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Leucovorin” (leucovorin). 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.