Question

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

Answer by DrLact: About Irinotecan usage in lactation

Limited data indicate that irinotecan is found in breastmilk for 2 days and its active metabolite is found in breastmilk for up to a week after a dose of 60 mg/square meter, although the highest amounts occur during the first 4 days after a dose. Higher maternal doses have not been studied and the oral absorption and toxicity in breastfed infants are not known. Based on this limited evidence, it appears that breastfeeding should be avoided for at least a week after a dose of irinotecan 60 mg/square meter. Higher dosages probably require a longer abstinence period. Some authors recommend discontinuing breastfeeding during irinotecan therapy.[1] Chemotherapy may adversely affect the normal microbiome and chemical makeup of breastmilk.[2] Women who receive chemotherapy during pregnancy are more likely to have difficulty nursing their infant.[3]

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