Until a few days ago, Nolotil, a trademark of a drug whose active ingredient is metamizole, could be safely consumed during breastfeeding. But this analgesic, especially used during postpartum (especially after cesarean section), has come to be considered “probable high risk” , so its use is not recommended.
From the e-lactancia.org portal, they offer other safe alternatives for breastfeeding, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. We tell you the reasons for this update in the recommendations.
Risk rises after study results
The e-lactancia website, a reference for all nursing mothers who want to see if a drug is safe or not during breastfeeding, has just updated its recommendations about metamizole , the active compound in Nolotil.
Until now, metamizole was classified as “low risk” to be consumed during lactation, but following the results of a study, e-lactancia has decided to increase its risk level, and does not recommend consuming it as it is considered “unsafe” .
This is the warning that we can read on their website:
“Authorized and widely used in childbirth and the puerperium in several European and American countries (Bordini 2016, Chaves 2009, Sabo 2001, DUP 1992); not so in the US and UK since the 70s due to the risk of rashes, anaphylaxis and agranulocytosis (< 2 per million) actually lower than other drugs (Bordini 2016) “
“It is excreted in breast milk in an amount that could be significant (Zylber 1986, Rizzoni 1984). It has been detected in plasma or urine of infants whose mothers took it (Rizzoni 1984). No side effects reported in infants of mothers who take it. except for a cyanosis crisis (Rizzoni 1984) “
” Increased risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia has been found in children whose mothers took metamizole during pregnancy and breastfeeding (Couto 2015)”.
“Until more published data on this drug in relation to breastfeeding is known, known safer alternatives are preferable (Bar-Oz 2003), especially during the neonatal period and in the case of prematurity.”
What does the study say?
The referenced study was published in 2015, and was carried out in Brazil.
The objective was to determine whether the use of analgesics during pregnancy and breastfeeding could constitute a risk factor in the development of childhood leukemia. Thus, it was seen that the use of dipyrone (metamizole) “may act as a risk factor” in the development of leukemia at an early age.
What do I do if I have taken Nolotil while breastfeeding?
Health professionals and lactation consultants insist on asking for calm , because at the moment the results are not conclusive, and more studies are needed to confirm these data. But until then, it is preferable to measure the risk / benefit, and having safe alternatives, it is advisable not to risk.
See this post on Instagram🤚🤚IMPORTANT🤚🤚: The Nolotil that until now could be taken during lactation with a low risk, has just changed category and should NOT be used if we are breastfeeding. As an alternative for pain and / or fever you can use Ibuprofen or Paracetamol. 👉 If you have any questions about whether or not you can drink something, do not hesitate to consult e-lactancia.org the best consultation page for both families and professionals. 100 percent reliable. Do not panic among those who have already taken it (myself in my two postpartum), the recommendations have changed pending new studies. KEEP CALM ☺️ We continue !!! You have all the info 👉 http://e-lactancia.org/breastfeeding/metamizole/product/ #luciamipediatra
See this post on Instagram👉URGENT PREGNANCY and LACTATION👈. Metamizole, better known as Nolotil, has changed the degree of risk on e-lactancia.org and should no longer be taken during pregnancy or lactation. . In 2015 a study was published (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25121973) in which it was found that:. “Increased risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia has been found in children whose mothers took metamizole during pregnancy and breastfeeding (Couto 2015).” . This means that there is more risk, not that it will happen. Think that if the risk were exaggerated this would be known for a long time, because many women have taken Nolotil both during pregnancy and lactation. Now we know about this added risk and warn not to run it unnecessarily. . Make it reach all those people who are expecting a baby and who are breastfeeding. . As alternatives in breastfeeding, Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are offered, and Diclofenac (Voltaren) as anti-inflammatory drugs, which are all considered safe. . PS: If the risk were high there would be THOUSANDS of children with leukemia today for this reason. But is not the case. It is a somewhat higher risk than if it is not consumed, so being a low risk it is considered appropriate to avoid it, especially since there are safer alternatives. . #Breastfeeding #Pregnancy #Medicines #Update #Safety #Nolotil #Maternal Breastfeeding #HealthRisks
We have asked Carmen Vega, international lactation consultant (IBCLC) and family doctor, to explain to us what exactly this recommendation means and what happens if until now we have been taking Nolotil while breastfeeding our baby:
“The study in question is a single case-control study . Although these types of studies are well designed, they have a very low level of evidence and serve to open possible lines of investigation , but to demonstrate, they show little.”
“This is an isolated study with a low level of evidence that suggests that it could be possible that this relationship may exist. So as a precautionary principle it is better to avoid it. But if at any given time it is necessary, the balance should be assessed. risk / benefit and then decide together with your doctor “.
What safe alternatives are there?
Metamizole is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, used to relieve pain and lower fever. In hospitals it is usually injected intravenously after giving birth, especially if you have had a cesarean section, or administered orally.
As this news is recent and Nolotil has been used and recommended for some time, it is likely that there are healthcare professionals who are not yet informed. Therefore, it is important that nursing mothers are aware of this update and know that ibuprofen and acetaminophen are the recommended safe alternatives .
Via | e-lactancia.org
