All living well guides
Pregnancy & family
Breastfeeding and Medicines
Many rheumatology medicines are compatible with breastfeeding.
Video lesson
Why it matters
Disease often flares after delivery, so staying on effective treatment while nursing matters for both parent and baby.
What you can do
Hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, azathioprine, prednisone and TNF inhibitors are generally considered compatible. Methotrexate, mycophenolate, leflunomide and JAK inhibitors are usually avoided. Review every medicine with your doctor.
Call your care team if
Your baby is unusually sleepy, feeding poorly or jaundiced, or you start any new medicine.
At a glance
Topic
Pregnancy & family
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.