Eltrombopag and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Minimal information is available on the use of eltrombopag during breastfeeding. One breastfed infant with thrombocytosis at birth that was possibly prolonged by eltrombopag in milk. Until more data become available, eltrombopag should be used with careful infant monitoring of infant blood parameters during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. The manufacturer recommends avoiding breastfeeding during the use of eltrombopag. Based on the drug’s half-life, the drug should be eliminated by the mother 8 days 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

An infant was born to a mother taking eltrombopag in a maximum dose of 100 mg during pregnancy. At birth, the infant had thrombocytosis, which persisted for a few weeks while the mother was breastfeeding. The extent of breastfeeding and the maternal dose were not stated. The authors felt that the persistence of thrombocytosis in the infant was possibly caused by eltrombopag in milk.[1]

Effects on lactation and breastmilk

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

References

1. Michel M, Ruggeri M, Gonzalez-Lopez TJ, et al. Use of thrombopoietin receptor agonists for immune thrombocytopenia in pregnancy: Results from a multicenter study. Blood 2020;136:3056-61.32814348 PubMed