Is Busulfan 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 Busulfan. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy.[1] It might be possible to breastfeed safely with busulfan during intermittent therapy with an appropriate period of breastfeeding abstinence. Although minimal data are available to determine an appropriate period to withhold breastfeeding, the drug's terminal half-live of 2.5 hours suggests that at least 24 hours may be sufficient. Chemotherapy may adversely affect the normal microbiome and chemical makeup of breastmilk.[2] Women who receive chemotherapy during pregnancy are more likely to have difficulty nursing their infant.[3]
Effects on the breastfed infant
Busulfan in a dosage of 4 mg daily for 5 weeks was taken for myeloid leukemia by one woman while breastfeeding. Weekly monitoring found no adverse effects on her infant's leukocyte count or hemoglobin.[4]
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.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Busulfan” (LM37). 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.