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Xerese and Breastfeeding
Although it is unclear if the medication passes through breast milk, it's generally considered safe for breastfeeding women to use Xerese (acyclovir and hydrocortisone). However, there are some ways to make this drug even safer for your nursing child. For example, until your cold sore heals, make sure to avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with areas of the skin where the medicine was applied.
from eMedTV.comXerese™ (acyclovir and hydrocortisone) is not likely to cause problems when used during breastfeeding. However, if you are breastfeeding a child, you should talk with your healthcare provider about using Xerese.
No research has been done to see if Xerese passes through breast milk. Acyclovir, one of the active ingredients in it, has been shown to pass through breast milk when taken by mouth or given intravenously (through an IV). It is unknown if the other active ingredient, hydrocortisone, passes through breast milk.
Xerese is likely safe for use during breastfeeding. This is thought to be the case because very little of the medicine is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, where it could pass through breast milk.
Even though it is unlikely to cause problems during breastfeeding, you should still watch for any side effects in your child if you use Xerese while nursing. Side effects could include:
- Feeding difficulty
- Diarrhea
- Increased crying
- Anything else that seems out of the ordinary for your child.
As a precaution, it is best to avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with areas of the skin where Xerese was applied until your cold sore heals. This will help prevent spread of your infection and transfer of the medication to your nursing infant.
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD