Can Primolut N Be Taken By A Lactating Mother?

Posted on Tue, 7 Oct 2014

Question: Hi
I have a 6 months old baby girl and I'm breast feeding her.
My periods started one month back and doctor suggested to take primolut n for 21 days.
When I searched in the Google there are so many suggestions not to take the tablet during lactation.
Will you help me out whether should I take the tablets or not? During lactation if I take the tablets will it affect my baby? What will be the side effects on her?

Thanks
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You should not take the tablet.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing to us.

Primolut- N containing norethisterone is as per my knowledge contraindicated during breastfeeding. It may secrete in breast milk and will decrease milk production and may change its composition.
It will decrease your baby weight if she is on exclusive breastfeeding.

I am not sure why this drug was prescribed to you. You may want to discuss the reason for its prescription. If you already know the reason please mention the same in the follow up. I can give you some alternate treatment for the same.

Hope I have answered your query if you have further questions I will be happy to help you.

Good luck.
Regards
Dr.Richa

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (1 hour later)

Hi XXXXXXX

The doctor prescribed primolut because the endometrial thickness is 1.25cm and it was heavily bleeding. Both the overies has polysysts in it.
I have started solid food for my daughter.
My worry is if I breast feed my baby, will it affect her in anyway? If so what are side effects for her?

I have already started taking the medicine.

Thanks,
Xxxx

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes! It will affect your baby.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Nice to listen from you.

You can take progestin only pills ( mini-pill) for withdrawal bleeding in your case in place of primolut- n.
It is safe drug for lactating women.
It's contraceptive effect useful in treatment of PCOS because it suppress ovulation which will further suppress cyst formation.

Primolut-n suppress lactation and change the composition of milk.
So please avoid this drug during breast feeding. It will affect your baby weight gain.

If you already had primolut-n then discuss with your doctor regarding the side effects and the alternatives available like XXXXXXX pill or norgesterol.

Hope this is useful to you.
Feel free to discuss more.

Regards
Dr.Richa

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari