Is Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (Human) 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 Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (Human). The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Hepatitis B immune globulin is an immune globulin (IgG) rich in IgG antibodies against hepatis B. IgG is a normal component of breastmilk that is likely to be partially destroyed in the infant's gastrointestinal tract and poorly absorbed by the infant. No special precautions are required during breastfeeding. Hepatitis B immune globulin is recommended along with hepatitis B vaccine to be given to infants of mothers who are positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. No differences exist in infection rates between breastfed and formula-fed infants born to hepatitis B-infected women, as long as the infant receives these preventative measures at birth.[1] Mothers with hepatitis B are encouraged to breastfeed their infants after their infants receive these preventative measures.[2,3]
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. Colostrum (3 days postpartum) and milk (7 days postpartum) samples from 2 mothers who were receiving intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for the treatment of common variable immunodeficiency were studied. One mother was receiving 400 to 500 mg/kg of IVIG monthly and the other received 600 to 700 mg/kg of IVIG monthly. The time of the last dose before sample collection was not reported. Immune globulin G (IgG) concentrations were normal in the first mother's colostrum and milk and higher than normal in the colostrum of the second mother. IgM levels were normal in the colostrum and milk first mother and low in the second.[4]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
“No published information” means the studies do not exist yet — not that Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (Human) 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 “Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (Human)” (LM1228). 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.