The Basics
What is Sibutramine?
Used to treat obesity that may be related to diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
Brand names for Sibutramine
Meridia
How Sibutramine is classified
Appetite Depressants, Anti-Obesity Agents
Sibutramine During Pregnancy
Sibutramine pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Sibutramine while pregnant
N/A
Taking Sibutramine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Sibutramine?
Because there is no published experience with sibutramine during breastfeeding, an alternate therapy may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Information on the effect of sibutramine on serum prolactin is somewhat conflicting.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Because there is no published experience with sibutramine during breastfeeding, an alternate therapy may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Information on the effect of sibutramine on serum prolactin is somewhat conflicting.
Possible effects of Sibutramine on milk supply
In a study of hypocaloric diet plus sibutramine in overweight and obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, no change was seen in serum prolactin levels over the 6-month study period.[1]
A woman developed amenorrhea-galactorrhea syndrome shortly after starting therapy with sibutramine for weight loss. Her serum prolactin was elevated, but returned to normal within 15 days of discontinuing sibutramine. It remained in the normal range during the 180-day follow-up period.[2]
The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Sibutramine
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Florakis D, Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Katsikis I et al. Effect of hypocaloric diet plus sibutramine treatment on hormonal and metabolic features in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, 24-week study. Int J Obes (Lond). 2008;32:692-9. PMID: 18071341
2. Soares Leaes CG, Pereira-Lima JF, da Costa Oliveira M. A case of sibutramine-induced hyperprolactinemia. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2011;32:616-8. PMID: 22167128
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
