Sibutramine and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Sibutramine is no longer marketed in the United States. Because there is no published experience with sibutramine during breastfeeding, an alternate therapy may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Information on the effect of sibutramine on serum prolactin is somewhat conflicting.

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

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.

Effects in breastfed infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on lactation and breastmilk

In a study of hypocaloric diet plus sibutramine in overweight and obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, no change was seen in serum prolactin levels over the 6-month study period.[1] A woman developed amenorrhea-galactorrhea syndrome shortly after starting therapy with sibutramine for weight loss. Her serum prolactin was elevated, but returned to normal within 15 days of discontinuing sibutramine. It remained in the normal range during the 180-day follow-up period.[2] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

References

1. FlorakisD Diamanti-KandarakisE KatsikisI Effect of hypocaloric diet plus sibutramine treatment on hormonal and metabolic features in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, 24-week study. Int J Obes (Lond) 2008 32 692 9 18071341 PubMed
2. Soares LeaesCG Pereira-LimaJF da Costa OliveiraM A case of sibutramine-induced hyperprolactinemia. Neuro Endocrinol Lett 2011 32 616 8 22167128 PubMed