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Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking lymecycline

Lymecycline and pregnancy

Lymecycline is not recommended during pregnancy

It can affect the teeth and bone development in your baby.

Your doctor will be able to talk to you about prescribing a different antibiotic.

Lymecycline and breastfeeding

Lymecycline is not one of the preferred antibiotics to use while you're breastfeeding, however it might be OK to take. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.

We do not know how much lymecycline passes into breast milk. However, it is likely to be a small amount. It is best to use lymecycline for as short a time as possible when breastfeeding, ideally for no longer than 3 weeks.

There is a small chance that lymecycline can affect your baby's teeth and bone development when used for a long time. However, this is very unlikely to happen when babies have lymecycline through breast milk.

Contact your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife if:

  • your baby is not feeding as well as usual or has an upset stomach
  • your baby has a rash or oral thrush (a fungal infection in their mouth)
  • you have any other concerns about your baby

Lymecycline and fertility

There's no evidence to suggest that taking lymecycline reduces fertility in either men or women.

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant as they may recommend alternative treatment for you.

Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:

  • trying to get pregnant
  • pregnant
  • breastfeeding

For more information about how lymecycline can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.

Page last reviewed: 6 January 2022
Next review due: 6 January 2025