Drugs and Breastfeeding: Contrast Media/Radionuclides

Contrast media in radiology

Contrast agents are used as part of X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) examinations. They may contain iodine or gadolinium. According to the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) guidelines, breastfeeding can continue normally. The contrast agents do pass into breast milk, but the concentration is far below a level that is harmful to the infant.

Radionuclides in nuclear medicine

Radionuclides are radioactive substances used in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (radiopharmaceuticals/radioactive drugs) of many diseases.

Examinations performed as part of these diagnostic procedures include “scintigraphy.” Scintigraphy is a diagnostic imaging procedure used in radiology to detect long-lasting functional processes. Scintigraphy is often performed as part of thyroid diagnostics. The most commonly used radionuclide is technetium-99m (half-life 6 hours). Alternatively, radioactive iodine-123 (half-life 13 hours) can be injected (injected). If a person has been injected with a radionuclide, they must avoid close contact with children as well as pregnant women for 24-48 hours. Breastfeeding women must take a break from breastfeeding for 48 hours to prevent risk to the child. Apart from this, the radionuclides mentioned also pass into breast milk, so that an interruption of breastfeeding becomes necessary anyway.

Therapy with radionuclides is used for tumor diseases (radiatio/radiation therapy).

If necessary, the examination or therapy can be postponed until after breastfeeding.