Is Eltrombopag 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 Eltrombopag. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Minimal information is available on the use of eltrombopag during breastfeeding. One breastfed infant with thrombocytosis at birth that was possibly prolonged by eltrombopag in milk. Until more data become available, eltrombopag should be used with careful infant monitoring of infant blood parameters during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. The manufacturer recommends avoiding breastfeeding during the use of eltrombopag. Based on the drug’s half-life, the drug should be eliminated by the mother 8 days after the last dose.
Effects on the breastfed infant
An infant was born to a mother taking eltrombopag in a maximum dose of 100 mg during pregnancy. At birth, the infant had thrombocytosis, which persisted for a few weeks while the mother was breastfeeding. The extent of breastfeeding and the maternal dose were not stated. The authors felt that the persistence of thrombocytosis in the infant was possibly caused by eltrombopag in milk.[1]
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 “Eltrombopag” (eltrombopag). 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.