Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
08:38
Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS
Published on: November 8, 2015
Breastfeeding and tacrolimus: is it a reasonable approach?
Vincent T Armenti1, Michael J Moritz, John M Davison
1National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry, Gift of Life Institute, 401 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, USA. varmenti@giftoflifeinstitute.org
Expert Review of Clinical Immunology
|August 1, 2013
Summary
Breastfeeding after organ transplantation is increasingly common. Current data suggest that breastfeeding while taking immunosuppressants like tacrolimus is generally safe, though individual factors require consideration.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation immunology
- Neonatal care
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Successful pregnancies post-transplantation are rising.
- Transplant recipients increasingly choose to breastfeed.
- Safety concerns exist regarding immunosuppressants during lactation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the safety of breastfeeding while taking tacrolimus.
- To discuss key issues in counseling transplant recipients on breastfeeding.
- To evaluate the compatibility of breastfeeding and immunosuppression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies and registries.
- Analysis of data from the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry.
- Discussion of reported case series on tacrolimus use during lactation.
Main Results:
- No specific problems have been identified with breastfeeding post-transplantation in registry data.
- Studies suggest tacrolimus is compatible with breastfeeding.
- Individual patient circumstances are crucial for counseling.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding should not be discouraged for transplant recipients on tacrolimus.
- Further research and individualized counseling are recommended.
- Balancing immunosuppression needs with breastfeeding benefits is key.
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