Can you take Aleve(Naproxen) while breastfeeding?

Aleve, also known as naproxen, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is generally used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. This is one of the most commonly used drugs by pregnant women for reducing pain and inflammation. But is it really safe to consume this drug while breastfeeding?

 In this article, we are going to discuss Aleve (Naproxen) in detail.  We will cover all of your questions, so let’s dive into the details.

What is naproxen?

What is naproxen?

It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. 

The most common brand names (in the market ) for this medicine are Aleve®, Napralen®, Anaprox®, Flanax®, Naprosyn®, and Menstridol®.

Is Aleve safe when pregnant?

The Food Drug and Administration, FDA  in October 2020 stated, “Pregnant women should avoid the use of naproxen as much as possible”.  

They strictly suggest avoiding this medicine after 20 weeks of pregnancy, as few of the studies have indicated that it will be hard for women to get pregnant in the future. 

Is Aleve safe when pregnant?
Is Aleve safe when pregnant?

So if you have plans to get pregnant in the coming future then we will request you to avoid it. 

Furthermore,  everyone’s body is different and can react differently to different products. We don’t know if your gestation period is painful or has a lot of problems, so the best option would be to consult a doctor.  It would be the best option, to ask the doctor specifically about the drug that you can intake or not during your pregnancy.

Can you take Aleve while breastfeeding? 

Aleve, which contains the active ingredient naproxen, is generally considered safe for short-term use during breastfeeding. However, it’s crucial to use it under the guidance of a healthcare provider. 

The decision to take any medication while breastfeeding should weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks.

How long does naproxen stay in breast milk?

According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, the levels of naproxen passed to babies via breastmilk were very low. 

However, we need to inform you that “there is limited information about the impact of this drug in breastfeeding women due to a limited sample size. However, no drastic effects were found.” 

How long does naproxen stay in breast milk?
How long does naproxen stay in breast milk?

As of now, we can say that this is completely safe for women to intake even if they are breastfeeding or are pregnant. You can check the whole report of an Infant after 1 year of observation in the medical facility here. 

But we should not generalize the statement to every other woman out there because everyone’s body is unique. Instead of directly purchasing the medicine from the pharmacy, it is best to communicate with your doctor.

When can I breastfeed after taking naproxen?

As mentioned earlier, there are no such harms in taking naproxen while breastfeeding your baby. 

However, it is advisable to wait for a few hours before breastfeeding to avoid any chances. This period will help your body to allow a significant time for the drug to flux out from your system, and not flow through the breast milk to the baby’s body. 

How long after taking naproxen can I breastfeed

The period depends on a lot of factors for example the metabolism of the mother and as well as the dosage. 

How long after taking naproxen can I breastfeed
How long after taking naproxen can I breastfeed

Furthermore, naproxen drug stays in your system for a longer period as compared to the other NSAIDs available on the market.  So it becomes essential for the mother to take extra precautions and wait for at least 4 to 6 hours before breastfeeding the baby.  

It is also recommended to breastfeed the baby first before consuming the drug so that the baby will not require milk for the next few hours, and you will be relieved.

Conclusion

Aleve or naproxen are some of the most effective pain-relieving drugs available on the market but pregnant or breastfeeding moms should take extra precautions while consuming these drugs. There are very few studies in this regard due to which it would be unfair to say that over-use of these drugs will not cause any harm to you or your baby. 

The best solution would be to consult a healthcare professional, as it involves your baby’s well-being. We hope that this article has helped you to gain some knowledge. 

Frequently asked question

  1. Does taking naproxen increase the chance of miscarriage?

There is not much medical evidence,  as there are many causes of miscarriages.

  1. If a male takes naproxen, does it affect the fertility?

Naproxen has not been found to impact male fertility.

  1.  Does naproxen increase the chances of birth effects in my newborn?

There is very limited evidence in this regard. The positive news is that there were no specific birth effects found on the newborn.

References 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501044/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582870/

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