Is Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate 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 Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate is a radiolabeled somatostatin analog indicated for the treatment of somatostatin receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. No information is available on the use of lutetium Lu 177 dotatate during breastfeeding. The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding be discontinued during lutetium Lu 177 dotatate therapy and for 2.5 months following the last dose, which would usually mean permanently discontinuing breastfeeding of the current infant.
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.[1]
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
Lutetium 177 decays to stable hafnium (Hf 177) with a half-life of 6.65 days, by emitting beta radiation with a maximum energy of 0.498 MeV and photonic gamma radiation of 0.208 MeV and 0.113 MeV.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate” (LM1369). 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.