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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.

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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet].

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Feverfew

Last Revision: November 30, 2022.

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

CASRN: 89997-65-9

Drug Levels and Effects

Summary of Use during Lactation

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) leaves contain sesquiterpene lactones, including parthenolide, which is thought to be the principal active ingredient. Feverfew has no specific lactation-related uses. It is most commonly used to prevent migraine. No data exist on the excretion of any components of feverfew into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of feverfew in nursing mothers or infants. Feverfew is generally well tolerated in adults, with occasional oral ulcers or gastrointestinal irritation. Rebound headaches can occur with rapid discontinuation and allergic reactions, including cross-reactions to chrysanthemums, daisies and marigolds, occur rarely. Because of the lack of safety data during lactation, some reviewers recommend against its use during breastfeeding.[1]

Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information about dietary supplements is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.

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.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

(Migraine Prophylaxis) Divalproex, Erenumab, Metoprolol, Nortriptyline, Propranolol, Rimegepant, Topiramate, Valproic Acid

References

1.
Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding - Evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011;40:684–90. [PubMed: 21894275]

Substance Identification

Substance Name

Feverfew

Scientific Name

Tanacetum parthenium

CAS Registry Number

89997-65-9

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Complementary Therapies

Phytotherapy

Plants, Medicinal

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.

Copyright Notice

Attribution Statement: LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Bookshelf ID: NBK501861PMID: 30000921

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