Is Brolucizumab 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 Brolucizumab. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
No information is available on the use of brolucizumab during breastfeeding. Brolucizumab inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Because it is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of 26,000 Da, the amount in milk is likely to be very low.[1] It is also likely to be partially destroyed in the infant's gastrointestinal tract and absorption by the infant is probably minimal.[2] It is also likely to be partially destroyed in the infant's gastrointestinal tract and absorption by the infant is probably minimal. The manufacturer states that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for at least one month after the last dose. Since VEGF is present in human milk and is thought to help in maturation of the infant’s gastrointestinal tract, concern has been raised about the maternal use of VEGF inhibitors during breastfeeding. Note that the typical alternative to breastmilk is infant formula, which contains no VEGF. Waiting for at least 2 weeks postpartum to resume therapy may minimize transfer to the infant.[3]
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
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
“No published information” means the studies do not exist yet — not that Brolucizumab is known to be harmful, and not that it is known to be safe. Your prescriber or pharmacist can weigh your baby's age and whether a better-studied alternative would do the same job. Worth asking before stopping a medicine you need.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Brolucizumab” (Brolucizumab). 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.