Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Iodine-131 Tositumomab? Is Iodine-131 Tositumomab safe for nursing mother and child? Does Iodine-131 Tositumomab extracts into breast milk? Does Iodine-131 Tositumomab has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Iodine-131 Tositumomab influence milk supply or can Iodine-131 Tositumomab decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Answer by DrLact: About Iodine-131 Tositumomab usage in lactation

Information in this record refers to the use of Iodine-131 Tositumomab as a therapeutic agent. No information is available on the use of Iodine-131 Tositumomab during breastfeeding. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, the manufacturer and expert opinion recommend not administering the drug in women who wish to continue breastfeeding.[1] If the drug is given, breastfeeding should be discontinued. Parents should limit close contact with their infants and small children after therapeutic Iodine-131 Tositumomab administration. Suggested contact times by one group are 30 minutes per day or less of contact at a distance of 2 meters or less for a period of 6 to 23 days.[2] Another group suggests avoiding contact with small children at a distance of 10 cm for an average of 8.1 days (range 3.5 to 12.9 days).[3] Additionally, nursing mothers may have excessive I 131 uptake by the breasts, so they should receive potassium iodide or Lugol's solution before receiving Iodine-131 Tositumomab to block uptake by the breasts and thyroid. Nursing mothers should not work with substances containing I 131 in their workplace.[4]

Alternate Drugs

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.