Is Nemolizumab 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 Nemolizumab. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
No information is available on the use of nemolizumab during breastfeeding. Because nemolizumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of about 144,000 Da, the amount in milk is likely to be very low.[1] It is also likely to be partially destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract and absorption by the infant is probably minimal.[2] Until more data become available, nemolizumab should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Waiting for at least 2 weeks postpartum to resume therapy may minimize transfer to the infant.[3] Elevated serum prolactin and galactorrhea has been reported during therapy in a nonlactating patient.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
A 14-year-old girl developed galactorrhea after the initiation of nemolizumab, which became progressively worse with each successive dose. Galactorrhea temporarily resolved when the dosing interval was extended and symptoms gradually improved after drug discontinuation. The patient’s serum prolactin was also elevated and returned to the normal range after drug discontinuation. The symptoms probably were caused by nemolizumab.[4]
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 “Nemolizumab” (nemolizumab). 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.