Venetoclax use while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

No information is available on the use of venetoclax during breastfeeding. Because venetoclax is more than 99% bound to plasma proteins, the amount in milk is likely to be low. However, its half-life is 26 hours and it might accumulate in the infant. Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy.[1] The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding be discontinued during vemurafenib therapy and for 1 week after the final dose. Chemotherapy may adversely affect the normal microbiome and chemical makeup of breastmilk.[2] Women who receive chemotherapy during pregnancy are more likely to have difficulty nursing their infant.[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.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

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

References

1.

Pistilli B, Bellettini G, Giovannetti E, et al. Chemotherapy, targeted agents, antiemetics and growth-factors in human milk: How should we counsel cancer patients about breastfeeding? Cancer Treat Rev. 2013;39:207–11. [PubMed: 23199900]

2.

Urbaniak C, McMillan A, Angelini M, et al. Effect of chemotherapy on the microbiota and metabolome of human milk, a case report. Microbiome. 2014;2:24. [PMC free article: PMC4109383] [PubMed: 25061513]

3.

Stopenski S, Aslam A, Zhang X, et al. After chemotherapy treatment for maternal cancer during pregnancy, is breastfeeding possible? Breastfeed Med. 2017;12:91–7. [PubMed: 28170295]

Substance Name

Venetoclax

CAS Registry Number

1257044-40-8

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Antineoplastic Agents