Doxorubicin use while Breastfeeding
Drugs containing Doxorubicin: Adriamycin, Adriamycin PFS, Adriamycin RDF
Doxorubicin Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy. It might be possible to breastfeed safely during intermittent therapy with an appropriate period of breastfeeding abstinence; however, the high levels and persistence of doxorubicinol in milk make defining an appropriate abstinence interval difficult.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Doxorubicin, doxorubicinol and two other metabolites were detected in milk after administration of 70 mg/sq m (90 mg) of doxorubicin intravenously. Peak milk levels of 128 mcg/L of doxorubicin and 111 mcg/L of its active metabolite doxorubicinol occurred 24 hours after the dose. Both drugs were detectable in milk for at least 72 hours after the dose. Other metabolites were also detected in milk at lower levels.[1][2] Using these data, the breastfed infant in this case would have received an estimated 2% of maternal weight-adjusted dosage if he had been allowed to nurse throughout the 72 hours after the dose.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible Effects on Lactation
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternate Drugs to Consider
Dependent on the condition being treated.
References
1. Egan PC, Costanza M, Dodion P et al. Secretion of doxorubicin (DOX) and cisplatin (DDP) into human milk. Proc ASCO. 1984;3:21. Abstract.
2. Egan PC, Costanza ME, Dodion P et al. Doxorubicin and cisplatin excretion into human milk. Cancer Treat Rep. 1985;69:1387-9. PMID: 4075315
Doxorubicin Identification
Substance Name
CAS Registry Number
23214-92-8
Drug Class
- Antineoplastic Agents
Administrative Information
LactMed Record Number
99
Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.
Last Revision Date
2011-01-04
Disclaimer
Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
See Also...
- Doxorubicin use during Pregnancy
- Doxorubicin Consumer Information
- Breastfeeding Support Group
- Safe Medications during Breastfeeding
- Medicine use while Breastfeeding
- Medicine use during Pregnancy
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use and Online Privacy Policy.
