Telbivudine and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Telbivudine has been discontinued from the US market. It has not been studied in nursing mothers being treated for hepatitis B infection. An alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. No difference exist in infection rates between breast-fed and formula-fed infants born to hepatitis B-infected women, as long as the infant receives hepatitis B immune globulin and hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Mothers with hepatitis B are encouraged to breastfeed their infants after their infants receive these preventative measures.[1,2]

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

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

Alternative drugs to consider

(Hepatitis B) Interferon Alfa, Lamivudine, Tenofovir

References

1. VisvanathanK DusheikoG GilesM Managing HBV in pregnancy. Prevention, prophylaxis, treatment and follow-up: Position paper produced by Australian, UK and New Zealand key opinion leaders. Gut 2016 65 340 50 26475631 PubMed
2. Dionne-OdomJ TitaAT SilvermanNS #38: Hepatitis B in pregnancy screening, treatment, and prevention of vertical transmission. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016 214 6 14 26454123 PubMed