Is I 123-Labeled Human Serum Albumin 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 I 123-Labeled Human Serum Albumin. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Information in this record refers to the use of 123-labeled human serum albumin (I 123 HSA) as a diagnostic agent. The International Commission on Radiological Protection states that breastfeeding should be interrupted for more than 3 weeks following diagnostic use of I 123 HSA. This usually will result in permanent discontinuation of breastfeeding for this infant.[1] However, this assumes that I 123 is contaminated with other iodine isotopes, which does not occur any longer and a discontinuation period as short as 3 days may be acceptable.[2] Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level, she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[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
I 123 is a gamma emitter with a principal photon energy of 159 keV and a physical half-life of 13.1 hours.[2] Iodide is actively secreted into breastmilk and actively taken up by the mother's and infant's thyroid glands.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “I 123-Labeled Human Serum Albumin” (LM807). 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.