Question

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

Answer by DrLact: About Imiglucerase usage in lactation

Imiglucerase is a synthetic form of beta-glucocerebrosidase, which is a normal component of human milk. After therapeutic use of imiglucerase, breastmilk levels are lower than those of normal mothers.[1] Additionally, absorption by the infant is unlikely because it is probably destroyed in the infant's gastrointestinal tract.[2][3] A limited amount of data support the safety of breastfeeding with imiglucerase. An international panel of clinicians from 9 centers that treat Gaucher's disease reported that, breastfeeding complications were less frequent in mothers who were treated with imiglucerase or alglucerase (the placenta-derived form of the enzyme) postpartum than in untreated mothers with Gaucher's disease. Consider limiting the duration of breastfeeding to about 6 months to avoid excessive bone loss in the nursing mother.[3][4]

Imiglucerase Side Effects in Breastfeeding

One woman received alglucerase 30 international units/kg intravenously every 2 weeks during pregnancy and lactation. Her breastfed infant reportedly grew and developed normally.[7] A woman received imiglucerase 30 units/kg every 2 weeks during pregnancy and for 3 months while breastfeeding. The dose was then increased to 60 units/kg every 2 weeks because of disease progression, and she continued breastfeeding until the infant was 1 year old.[8] A woman receiving long-term therapy with imiglucerase 60 units/kg intravenously every 2 weeks became pregnant twice during therapy and breastfed both infants (extent not stated). Both infants developed normally during the observation periods of 13 and 33 months.[5] A woman with type 1 Gaucher's disease was exclusively breastfeeding her infant postpartum re-initiated intravenous imiglucerase 30 units/kg every 2 weeks beginning at 1 month postpartum. The infant was breastfed for about 9 months postpartum and was reportedly healthy when followed up to 3 years of age.[1] A woman with Gaucher's disease received imiglucerase 1800 units (30 units/kg) every 2 weeks during pregnancy and postpartum. Her infant was breastfed (extent not stated) and was followed by a pediatrician who determined that development was normal over 2 years.[9]
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.