<<bromocriptine is not available as a lactation supressant in the u/s
beacuse of side effects and a number of deaths directly attributed to its
use>>.

Hi All..  I just wanted to comment on this.  Although bromocriptine no longer
carries an FDA approval for the suppression of lactation, I know that it is
still used for this.  I had a WIC mom come to see me for a consult that had a
prescription for this (she had not begun taking it but did have the
prescription filled).  I was shocked!  I called the pharmacy and questioned
the pharmacist (silly me, I thought it might be illegal for the doctor to
prescribe this) and was told that even though this drug was no longer FDA
approved, a doctor could still prescribe it for whatever he/she wanted.  The
drug is still used for other purposes (Parkinsons for one) but it is entirely
up to the physician to prescribe as he/she sees fit.  The mom that brought
this to me was NOT told that this drug was dangerous and was not informed
that it was not FDA approved.  She did not take the medication (she had
decided to continue breastfeeding).  I tried to reach the prescribing doctor
several times with no avail.  Since that time I have discussed this with
several doctors that told me that most doctors would not want to accept the
liability (malpractice potential) of prescribing a non FDA approved drug but
that it does happen.  Just wanted to comment that because a drug is not FDA
approved, does not mean that it is no longer available...
                                            Pam Holland, IBCLC
                                            Breastfeeding Coordinator
                                             Chatham Co. WIC, Savannah, GA