Bendamustine and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

No information is available on the use of bendamustine during breastfeeding. Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy, especially alkylating agents such as bendamustine.[1] Based on the half-life of the drug and its metabolites, the drug should be eliminated from the milk by 24 to 48 hours after the last dose. The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding be discontinued during bendamustine therapy and for at least 1 week after the last dose.

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

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

Some evidence indicates that the closely related drug carmustine can increase serum prolactin.[2]

References

1. PistilliB BellettiniG GiovannettiE 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 23199900 PubMed
2. ConstineLS RubinP WoolfPD Hyperprolactinemia and hypothyroidism following cytotoxic therapy for central nervous system malignancies. J Clin Oncol 1987 5 1841 51 3681371 PubMed