EpiPen is a brand-name auto-injector prescribed for emergency treatment of serious allergic reactions in adults and children. It contains the active ingredient epinephrine. The benefits of EpiPen treatment typically outweigh any risks during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and EpiPen. For a comprehensive look at EpiPen, see this article.
If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether EpiPen is a safe choice for you.
EpiPen hasn’t been specifically studied in pregnant people. However, a severe allergic reaction is a medical emergency. It can be life threatening for the pregnant person and the fetus. So, doctors consider EpiPen an acceptable treatment for severe allergic reactions during pregnancy. The benefits of EpiPen treatment typically outweigh any risks.
If you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant, be sure to talk with your doctor about when to use EpiPen. And get emergency medical help right after using it.
If you’d like to learn more about epinephrine (the active drug in EpiPen) and pregnancy, talk with your doctor.
If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to consider how EpiPen may affect you and your child.
It is unknown whether epinephrine (the active drug in EpiPen) passes into breast milk. However, EpiPen is approved for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions. These reactions, including anaphylaxis, can be life threatening. So, your doctor will likely recommend using EpiPen to treat a severe allergic reaction, even if you’re breastfeeding.
You can typically breastfeed as usual after receiving an injection of EpiPen.
If you have questions about EpiPen and breastfeeding, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.