Is Samarium Sm 153 Lexidronam Pentasodium 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 Samarium Sm 153 Lexidronam Pentasodium. 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 samarium Sm 153 lexidronam pentasodium as a therapeutic agent. No information is available on the use of samarium Sm 153 lexidronam pentasodium during breastfeeding. Most conditions treated with samarium Sm 153 would not occur in mothers wishing to nurse. However, the manufacturer recommends not administering the drug in women who wish to continue breastfeeding. Because of the relatively long half-life of samarium 153, the standard waiting period of 10 half-lives would be close to 3 weeks which might be impractical for resuming breastfeeding. The manufacturer and expert opinion recommend discontinuing breastfeeding if the agent is administered.[1]
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 background levels they may safely resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[2]
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
Samarium Sm 153 emits both medium-energy beta particles and a gamma photon, and has a physical half-life of 1.93 days.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Samarium Sm 153 Lexidronam Pentasodium” (LM1130). 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.