Is Abatacept Safe in Breastfeeding
Question
I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Abatacept? Is Abatacept safe for nursing mother and child? Does Abatacept extracts into breast milk? Does Abatacept has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Abatacept influence milk supply or can Abatacept decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?
Abatacept lactation summary
- DrLact safety Score for Abatacept is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
- A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Abatacept may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
- Our study of different scientific research indicates that Abatacept may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
- Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Abatacept low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
- While using Abatacept 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 Abatacept usage in lactation
Soluble fusion protein used for treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Its high molecular weight and protein structure reduces its secretion into breast milk and make absorption by the gastrointestinal tract unlikely.
Answer by DrLact: About Abatacept usage in lactation
No information is available on the use of abatacept during breastfeeding. Abatacept is a large genetically engineered fusion protein that interferes with T-cell activation. It has a molecular weight of 92,000. Only small amounts at most would be expected to enter breastmilk. If abatacept is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.[1] However, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Alternate Drugs
Infliximab(Safe)
Sulfasalazine(Safe)
Hydroxychloroquine(Safe)
Chloroquine(Safe)
Penicillamine(Low Risk)
Etanercept(Safe)
Leflunomide(Dangerous)
Auranofin(Low Risk)
Tocilizumab(Low Risk)
Anakinra(Low Risk)
Abatacept(Low Risk)
Rituximab(Low Risk)
Certolizumab Pegol(Safe)
Adalimumab(Safe)
Methotrexate(Low Risk)