Question

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

Alemtuzumab lactation summary

Alemtuzumab usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Alemtuzumab is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Alemtuzumab may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Alemtuzumab may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Alemtuzumab low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Alemtuzumab We suggest monitoring 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 Alemtuzumab usage in lactation

IgG-monoclonal antibody that targets leukemic cells receptors. Use for Esclerosis Multiple has been approved. Because a high molecular weight excretion into breast milk is unlikely and destruction of protein structure in infant's bowel renders intestinal absorption nil. It should be avoid in the first two post-partum weeks since pass of significant amounts of IgG to the milk can occur in the first 3 - 4 post-partum days.

Answer by DrLact: About Alemtuzumab usage in lactation

No information is available on the clinical use of alemtuzumab during breastfeeding. Because alemtuzumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of 145,454, 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, alemtuzumab should be used with caution or avoided during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.[1][2][3] The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding be discontinued during alemtuzumab therapy.

Alternate Drugs

Tocilizumab(Low Risk)
Alemtuzumab(Low Risk)
Daclizumab(Low Risk)
Hydroxyurea(Low Risk)
Ipilimumab(Unsafe)
Etoposide(Dangerous)
Vinblastine(Dangerous)
Trastuzumab(Unsafe)
Cetuximab(Unsafe)
Doxorubicin(Dangerous)
Bleomycin(Dangerous)
Imatinib(Unsafe)
Dasatinib(Unsafe)
Carboplatin(Dangerous)
Gemcitabine(Dangerous)
Vinorelbine(Dangerous)
Nilotinib(Unsafe)
Cyclophosphamide(Dangerous)
Dacarbazine(Dangerous)
Paclitaxel(Dangerous)
Cisplatin(Unsafe)
Busulfan(Dangerous)
Fluorouracil(Dangerous)
Thioguanine(Dangerous)
Docetaxel(Dangerous)
Pazopanib(Unsafe)
Vincristine(Dangerous)
Alemtuzumab(Low Risk)
Tamoxifen(Dangerous)
Rituximab(Low Risk)
Letrozole(Dangerous)
Mitoxantrone(Dangerous)
Dactinomycin(Dangerous)
Bevacizumab(Low Risk)
Exemestane(Dangerous)
Erlotinib(Unsafe)
Cladribine(Dangerous)
Nivolumab(Unsafe)
Gemcitabine(Dangerous)
Pimecrolimus(Low Risk)
Fluorouracil(Dangerous)
Alemtuzumab(Low Risk)
Methotrexate(Low Risk)
Fingolimod(Unsafe)
Cladribine(Dangerous)
Everolimus(Unsafe)
Leflunomide(Dangerous)
Sirolimus(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.