Health Canada is reviewing the safety of domperidone amid reports that some breastfeeding mothers in Canada and the U.S. have had serious psychiatric symptoms when they tried to stop taking the drug.
Domperidone is approved in Canada for gastrointestinal symptoms but is frequently prescribed off-label to increase breastmilk supply.
Health Canada confirmed to The Canadian Press on Tuesday that it started the safety review in December. Early that month, CBC News reported cases of women experiencing symptoms including severe anxiety, depression, intrusive disturbing thoughts and insomnia while trying to stop taking the drug. When used to promote lactation, domperidone is routinely prescribed in higher amounts than approved by Health Canada.Breastfeeding consultants say they advise women who want to stop taking domperidone to wean off it gradually.Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
B.C.’s drug decriminalization experiment is about to begin — and other jurisdictions are watchingB.C. will begin a three-year decriminalization experiment, allowing drug users 18 and over to carry up to 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA. It’s an experiment that’s likely to influence drug policy across Canada.
Read more »
Health Canada reviewing safety of controversial breastfeeding drug | CBC NewsHealth Canada has launched a safety review of the psychological withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping or reducing use of a domperidone, a drug intended to treat gastrointestinal disorders but that's also used to help women breastfeed.
Read more »
Island Health searching for ways to improve health care with 'Code Hack' eventIsland Health is on the lookout for fresh ways to improve the health-care system with its 24-hour event, 'Code Hack.'
Read more »
Victoria police and Island Health launch dedicated mental health response teamPolice in B.C.'s capital are pairing up with mental health workers to better respond to service calls involving people struggling with mental health and substance-use issues.
Read more »
Ottawa Public Health budget reflects the continuing impact of the pandemic on local public healthFor the fourth year in a row, costs related to the COVID\u002D19 pandemic are expected to make up a significant portion of Ottawa Public Health’s budget.
Read more »
Continuing impact of the pandemic on local public health reflected in Ottawa Public Health budgetFor the fourth year in a row, costs related to the COVID\u002D19 pandemic are expected to make up a significant portion of Ottawa Public Health’s budget.
Read more »