Didanosine has been removed from the US market. No published information is available on the use of didanosine during breastfeeding. Didanosine is not recommended during breastfeeding.[1] Achieving and maintaining viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy decreases breastfeeding transmission risk to less than 1%, but not zero. Individuals with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy with a sustained undetectable viral load and who choose to breastfeed should be supported in this decision. If a viral load is not suppressed, banked pasteurized donor milk or formula is recommended.[2,3]
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
World Health Organization. HIV and infant feeding: Update. 2007. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2007/9789241595964_eng.pdf.
2.
World Health Organization. Consolidated guidelines on HIV prevention, testing, treatment, service delivery and monitoring: Recommendations for a public health approach. 2021. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240031593. [PubMed: 34370423]
3.
Department of Health and Human Services. Recommendations for the use of antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy and interventions to reduce perinatal HIV transmission in the United States. 2024. https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/sites/default/files/guidelines/documents/perinatal-hiv/guidelines-perinatal.pdf.
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Didanosine
CAS Registry Number
69655-05-6
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Milk, Human
Anti-Infective Agents
Antiviral Agents
Anti-HIV Agents
Anti-Retroviral Agents
Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
