Is Lepirudin 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 Lepirudin. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Lepirudin is no longer marketed in the United States. Limited information indicates that lepirudin in doses up to 100 mg daily produce very low levels in milk. Because of its large molecular weight, it would not be expected to be absorbed from breastmilk by the infant. Lepirudin would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months.[1]
Effects on the breastfed infant
One infant was breastfed for 3 months during therapeutic lepirudin use beginning at 7 weeks of age. No bleeding events occurred.[2]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. One mother who was 10 weeks postpartum received lepirudin 50 mg twice daily subcutaneously. Her breastmilk had undetectable (<0.1 mg/L) lepirudin levels 3 hours after a dose.[2]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Lepirudin” (LM154). 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.