Lepirudin use while Breastfeeding

Drugs containing Lepirudin: Refludan

Lepirudin Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Limited information indicates that lepirudin in doses up to 100 mg daily produce very low levels in milk. Because of its large molecular weight, it would not be expected to be absorbed from breastmilk by the infant. Lepirudin would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. One mother who was 10 weeks postpartum received lepirudin 50 mg twice daily subcutaneously. Her breastmilk had undetectable (<0.1 mg/L) lepirudin levels 3 hours after a dose.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

One infant was breastfed for 3 months during therapeutic lepirudin use beginning at 7 weeks of age. No bleeding events occurred.[1]

Possible Effects on Lactation

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

References

1. Lindhoff-Last E, Willeke A, Thalhammer C et al. Hirudin treatment in a breastfeeding woman. Lancet. 2000;355:467-8. PMID: 10841132

Lepirudin Identification

Substance Name

Lepirudin

CAS Registry Number

138068-37-8

Drug Class

• Anticoagulants
• Hirudin

Administrative Information

LactMed Record Number

154

Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.

Last Revision Date

2012-10-02

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...

• Lepirudin use during Pregnancy
• Lepirudin 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.