Glatiramer use while Breastfeeding
Drugs containing Glatiramer: Copaxone
Glatiramer Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
No data exist on the use of glatiramer during breastfeeding. However, the manufacturer's data found that after subcutaneous injection, glatiramer undergoes rapid degradation to amino acids and shorter peptides and that it cannot be detected in the plasma, urine or feces.[1] Furthermore, any glatiramer that did reach the breastmilk would probably be destroyed in the infant's gastrointestinal tract and not absorbed, except perhaps in neonates. Maternal glatiramer use is unlikely to affect the breastfed infant, especially if the infant is older than 1 month.
In a survey of women neurologists in the United States and Canada, 147 responded. Of these, 13% stated that they discourage breastfeeding with glatiramer for their patient with multiple sclerosis, 48% stated that they leave the decision on breastfeeding with glatiramer up to the patient and about 10% said they would prescribe glatiramer to a breastfeeding mother.[2]
In one study, women with multiple sclerosis who exclusively breastfeed their infants had a much lower rate of postpartum relapse than mothers who began supplemental feedings within 2 months postpartum.[3]
Drug Levels
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.
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
References
1. Ziemssen T, Neuhaus O, Hohlfeld R. Risk-benefit assessment of glatiramer acetate in multiple sclerosis. Drug Saf. 2001;24:979-90. PMID: 11735654
2. Coyle PK, Christie S, Fodor P et al. Women Neurologists MS Initiative. Multiple sclerosis gender issues: clinical practices of women neurologists. Mult Scler. 2004;10:582-8. PMID: 15471377
3. Langer-Gould A, Huang SM, Gupta R et al. Exclusive breastfeeding and the risk of postpartum relapses in women with multiple sclerosis. Arch Neurol. 2009;66:958-63. PMID: 19506118
Glatiramer Identification
Substance Name
CAS Registry Number
147245-92-9
Drug Class
- Immunologic Adjuvants
Administrative Information
LactMed Record Number
306
Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.
Last Revision Date
2012-05-03
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...
- Glatiramer use during Pregnancy
- Glatiramer 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.
