Acne problems and breastfeeding?

Question

So I have had acne since the middle of my pregnancy, and I gave birth 10 weeks ago. It just keeps getting worse and I actually have some cysts that just keep coming back. Anyway, the dermatologist gave me a prescription for some gel that I just rub on to my skin. I haven't gotten the prescription filled yet because I am getting mixed answers as to whether it is safe or not to use while breastfeeding. It is called Cleocin Gel..and the generic is Clindamycin gel. Has anyone else ever used this or had different answers as to whether it is safe to use. The dermatologist and the pediatrician both say it is alright but the pharmacist and the pharmacy web site say that it is not safe to use and it actually says do not use while breastfeeding. Just wondering if anyone else has had experience with this gel. Thanks

Answer 1

I know someone who has cystic acne and it is VERY PAINFUL. Shame on those who think this poor girl is thinking of a simple acne problem over her child. That is clearly not the case here and I think she is wanting to get some of this pain relieved. If she weren't concerned about the health of her baby, then she wouldn't be asking everyone she knows if it safe!

My advice is always to ask the pediatrician. If they feel you should take it, then they have weighed the pros and cons and feel that it would be better for you to take it rather than not.

But either way, ignore the mean people on here. They've obviously never had cystic acne before!!!

Good luck!

Answer 2

well the first answer is right about not sacrificing you're babies health but the acne free system is not for CYSTIC acne and even if it were acne is hormone related so what works for one may not be for everyone as our hormones vary! I know it is hard when you are allready dealing with so much new baby stress and breastfeeding too congrats! maybe you can ask around for a natural alternative and makea few dietary changes thats what I've done it may seem extreme but it works I still don't have perfect skin but it's ok I decided to stop spending so much on proactiv and now I use st ives and as I said lots of water vitamins and a healthy diet!

Answer 3

Cleocin is approved for use in nursing moms by the AAP. However Hale rates it an L3 -moderately safe. So it probably wouldn't be my first choice.

Erythromycin is rated L1 -safest and is also approved by the AAP. Of course I am not a dermatologist and I have no clue about acne medications.

Obviously acne is not an urgent medical problem, I'm not saying it doesn't need to be treated but you can take the time to weigh your options and possibly get a second opinion.

Acne Medications and Breastfeeding
http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/acne-meds.html

Safe Fetus (Also does breastfeeding)
http://safefetus.com/DrugDetail.asp?DrugId=388&TradeName=Clindacin&TradeId=280
Motherisk -always a good call they have very up to date information and all its costs is some long distance. You can call from anywhere in the world.

[phone] -
Motherisk Info Line -Ask about the risk or safety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, chemicals, x-rays, chronic disease and infections during pregnancy and while nursing 9-5 EST

Answer 4

You absorb things through your skin, not as readily as internally, but still in all.

I would never consider ones complexion to be worth risking the health of an infant.

I got REALLY BAD acne while pregnant. Horrible. The AcneFree system worked awesome for me. Its like 20 bucks at walmart.

If you use that acne system, try tanning once or twice a week on top of it. I promise it'll clear it up.

Answer 5

Acné, qué feo...
Yo mismo he pasado por un problema grave de acné y me he dado cuenta de que todos los medicamentos que existen para curar el acné en realidad sólo son remedios temporales para los síntomas, y algunos de ellos son agresivos para nuestro propio cuerpo y pueden llegar a hacernos daño si tenemos algún descuido.
¿Mi consejo? Que ataques a la raíz del acné y no a sus síntomas. Toma este enlace, es de lo mejor que hay, y mucha suerte:
http://milagroacne.youtips.info

Answer 6

From what I was able to find it appears to be a Class B drug, so it is generally considered safe while pregnant and breastfeeding.
http://safefetus.com/DrugDetail.asp?DrugId=388&TradeName=Clinimycin&TradeId=282

Answer 7

you could talk to your primary care physician about weather or not it is safe for your baby. I had the same feelings about antibiotics they wanted to put me on and I asked questions and found out that it wasn't safe for my son. So ask, ask, ask