Summary of use during lactation
Three infants were breastfed without harm by mothers taking ravulizumab. Because ravulizumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of about 148,000 Da, absorption is unlikely because it is probably destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. Waiting for at least 2 weeks postpartum to resume therapy may minimize transfer to the infant.[1] The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding be discontinued during ravulizumab therapy and for 8 months after the final 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
A single-center retrospective study identified 4 women taking ravulizumab during pregnancy and postpartum who breastfed (extent not stated) their infants. During a median follow-up period of 13 months, no developmental or constitutional abnormalities were detected in any of the children.[2]
Effects on lactation and breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternative drugs to consider
Eculizumab
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NCBI Bookshelf. Check LactMed for the most recent revision.
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