COPD Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Arcapta and Breastfeeding
The manufacturer of Arcapta (indacaterol maleate) recommends that women use the drug with caution while nursing. Although the drug is known to pass through breast milk in rats, it is not known whether it passes through human breast milk. Due to the potential risks to a nursing infant, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before using Arcapta while breastfeeding.
At this time, no information is available about whether Arcapta™ (indacaterol maleate) passes through breast milk in humans. Because of the potentially serious side effects that could occur in a nursing infant, the manufacturer of the drug recommends that women use Arcapta with caution while breastfeeding. Therefore, if you are nursing or plan to start, make sure to tell your healthcare provider.
No research has been done to see if Arcapta passes through breast milk in humans, although it has been shown to pass through breast milk in rats. If your healthcare provider recommends breastfeeding while using Arcapta, make sure to watch for any side effects in your child.
It should be noted that Arcapta is approved only to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a disease which is uncommon in women of reproductive age.
You should discuss breastfeeding and Arcapta use with your healthcare provider. 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 that is right for you.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD