Mitoxantrone use while Breastfeeding
Drugs containing Mitoxantrone: Novantrone
Mitoxantrone Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Although one mother resumed nursing 21 days after her last dose of mitoxantrone, the drug was still detectable in milk for at least 28 days. Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. A woman treated with mitoxantrone, etoposide and cytarabine for promyelocytic leukemia received 3 daily mitoxantrone doses of 6 mg/sq m intravenously. A mitoxantrone milk level of 120 mcg/L occurred immediately after the third dose. Milk mitoxantrone level dropped to a plateau value of about 20 mcg/L by 7 days after the third dose and remained at 18 mcg/L at 28 days after the last dose.[1]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
One mother received 3 daily doses of 6 mg/sq m of mitoxantrone intravenously along with 5 daily doses of etoposide 80 mg/sq m and cytarabine 170 mg/sq m intravenously. She resumed breastfeeding her infant 3 weeks after the third dose of mitoxantrone at a time when mitoxantrone was still detectable in milk. The infant had no apparent abnormalities at 16 months of age.[1]
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. Azuno Y, Kaku K, Fujita N et al. Mitoxantrone and etoposide in breast milk. Am J Hematol. 1995;48:131-2. Letter. PMID: 7847330
Mitoxantrone Identification
Substance Name
CAS Registry Number
65271-80-9
Drug Class
- Antineoplastic Agents
Administrative Information
LactMed Record Number
185
Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.
Last Revision Date
2010-12-07
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...
- Mitoxantrone use during Pregnancy
- Mitoxantrone 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.
