Evista and Breastfeeding

No studies have been done on Evista and breastfeeding because it is often considered unethical to do so; infants cannot consent to the tests and generally do not directly benefit from them. The manufacturer recommends that women not take the drug while breastfeeding. However, each woman's situation is unique, so you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision based on your individual situation.

 

Evista and Breastfeeding: An Overview

At this time, it is unknown if Evista® (raloxifene hydrochloride) passes through breast milk in humans. However, the manufacturer warns that women should not take the drug while breastfeeding. Evista is not approved for premenopausal women, including women who are breastfeeding.
 

Evista and Breastfeeding: What Does the Research Say?

No studies have been done to see if Evista passes through breast milk. You may wonder why this is the case. It is usually considered unethical to study medications in breastfeeding women, since the infant cannot consent to the study and will not directly benefit from the medication. Most of the information currently known about medications and breastfeeding has been collected from individual reports of women taking these drugs while breastfeeding and not through studies.
 

Talking With Your Healthcare Provider About Evista and Breastfeeding

You should talk with your healthcare provider about Evista and breastfeeding. While it is generally not recommended for women to take the drug while breastfeeding, each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, the two of you can make a shared decision about Evista and breastfeeding that is right for you.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;