Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Cetuximab? Is Cetuximab safe for nursing mother and child? Does Cetuximab extracts into breast milk? Does Cetuximab has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Cetuximab influence milk supply or can Cetuximab decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Cetuximab lactation summary

Cetuximab is unsafe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Cetuximab is 5 out of 8 which is considered Unsafe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 5 indicates that usage of Cetuximab may cause serious side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Cetuximab may cause moderate to high side effects or may affect milk supply in lactating mother.
  • Our suggestion is to use safer alternate options rather than using Cetuximab .
  • It is recommended to evaluate the advantage of not breastfeeding while using Cetuximab Vs not using Cetuximab And continue breastfeeding.
  • While using Cetuximab Its must to monitor child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Cetuximab usage in lactation

Drug is cleared from the body in 7 elimination half-lives. Resuming breastfeeding is likely safe after 60 days of pumping-and-dumping (But the higher molecular weight of this recombinant monoclonal antibody and its protein structure makes it secretion into breast milk and the absortion by gastrointestinal tract unlikely).

Answer by DrLact: About Cetuximab usage in lactation

No information is available on the clinical use of cetuximab during breastfeeding. Because cetuximab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of 145,782, the amount in milk is likely to be very low and absorption is unlikely because it is probably destroyed in the infant's gastrointestinal tract. Until more data become available, cetuximab should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding be discontinued during cetuximab therapy and for 2 months after the last dose.

Alternate Drugs

Denosumab(Low Risk)
Omalizumab(Low Risk)
Ipilimumab(Unsafe)
Rituximab(Low Risk)
Abciximab(Low Risk)
Basiliximab(Low Risk)
Bevacizumab(Low Risk)
Belimumab(Low Risk)
Natalizumab(Low Risk)
Trastuzumab(Unsafe)
Cetuximab(Unsafe)
Secukinumab(Low Risk)
Nivolumab(Unsafe)
Ustekinumab(Low Risk)
Nilotinib(Unsafe)
Vincristine(Dangerous)
Bleomycin(Dangerous)
Alemtuzumab(Low Risk)
Dactinomycin(Dangerous)
Ipilimumab(Unsafe)
Tamoxifen(Dangerous)
Vinorelbine(Dangerous)
Mitoxantrone(Dangerous)
Letrozole(Dangerous)
Dacarbazine(Dangerous)
Rituximab(Low Risk)
Docetaxel(Dangerous)
Exemestane(Dangerous)
Bevacizumab(Low Risk)
Hydroxyurea(Low Risk)
Thioguanine(Dangerous)
Etoposide(Dangerous)
Doxorubicin(Dangerous)
Pazopanib(Unsafe)
Cyclophosphamide(Dangerous)
Trastuzumab(Unsafe)
Cetuximab(Unsafe)
Cisplatin(Unsafe)
Gemcitabine(Dangerous)
Busulfan(Dangerous)
Carboplatin(Dangerous)
Cladribine(Dangerous)
Erlotinib(Unsafe)
Imatinib(Unsafe)
Paclitaxel(Dangerous)
Nivolumab(Unsafe)
Vinblastine(Dangerous)
Fluorouracil(Dangerous)
Dasatinib(Unsafe)
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. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.