Is Semaglutide 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 Semaglutide. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Semaglutide was not detectable in the milk of mothers taking the drug subcutaneously. Their breastfed infants experienced no adverse effects. Some brands of oral semaglutide, such as Rybelsus, contain the absorption enhancer salcaprozate sodium, which may enter milk and accumulate in infants. Only injectable forms of semaglutide should be used during breastfeeding. Some experts recommend closely monitoring of infant growth and developmental milestones and the nutritional status of the lactating woman.[1]
Effects on the breastfed infant
Eight nursing mothers were using subcutaneous semaglutide in doses ranging from 0.25 to 1 mg weekly. Their infants ranged in age from 4 to 23 months of age and were mixed fed. They were fed breastmilk for 3 to 9 weeks while their mothers were taking semaglutide. All of the infants were reported to have normal growth and development by their mothers.[2]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Eight nursing mothers, who were using subcutaneous semaglutide in doses ranging from 0.25 to 1 mg weekly, donated milk samples at 0,12 and 24 hours after a dose. None of the samples contained any measurable semaglutide (<1.7 mcg/L). The authors calculated that if milk had contained semaglutide at the detection limit, the relative infant dose would have averaged only 1.12%.[2] This does not take into consideration that the drug is poorly absorbed orally, with a maximum bioavailability of 1% in adults.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Semaglutide in pregnancy
LactMed covers breastfeeding only. For what the NHS and the US prescribing label say about pregnancy, see:
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Semaglutide” (LM1383). 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.