Is Belatacept safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what LactMed, the Drugs and Lactation Database published by the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), reports about Belatacept. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Information from one patient indicates that the drug may be used in nursing mothers; however, more data are needed. Since glycosylated belatacept has a molecular weight of 92,300 Da, it is unlikely to appear in milk. The manufacturer recommends avoiding nursing if belatacept is given. Because the drug’s half-life is 8 to 10 days, it may be more than a month after a dose before the drug is absent from breastmilk. Waiting for at least 2 weeks postpartum to resume therapy may minimize transfer to the infant.[1]
Effects on the breastfed infant
A mother with a liver transplant was maintained on belatacept 10 mg/kg monthly, slow-release tacrolimus (Envarsus and Veloxis) 2 mg daily, azathioprine 25 mg daily, and prednisone 2.5 mg daily. She breastfed her infant for a year (extent not stated). The infant’s growth and cognitive milestones were normal.[2]
In a case series from the Transplant Pregnancy Registry International of women who received belatacept during pregnancy and postpartum, 5 women with kidney transplants breastfeed their 7 children while continuing belatacept infusions with no reports of problems breastfeeding or issues in the children. The duration and extent of breastfeeding was not reported in 4 instances, but in the other 3, the durations were 1 month, 2 months, and 4 weeks exclusive breastfeeding, followed by partial breastfeeding.[3] A review of the Transplant Pregnancy Registry International database from 1999 to 2024 found that 6 mothers with transplants had breastfed their infants for at least 4 weeks while taking belatacept.[4] These 6 probably included the 5 women reported above.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Belatacept” (LM1073). LactMed on NCBI Bookshelf. LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.