Yttrium 90 Ibritumomab Tiuxetan and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Information in this record refers to the use of yttrium 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan as a therapeutic agent. No information is available on the use of yttrium 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan during breastfeeding. Because of the long half-life of yttrium 90, the manufacturer and expert opinion recommend not administering the drug in women who wish to continue breastfeeding.[1] If the drug is administered to a nursing mother, breastfeeding should be discontinued. No restrictions on holding the infant after administration of the drug are necessary.[2]

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

Yttrium-90 decays by emission of beta particles, with a physical half-life of 64.1 hours and a decay energy of 2.28 MeV.

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. Goldsmith SJ. Radioimmunotherapy of lymphoma: Bexxar and Zevalin. Semin Nucl Med 2010;40:122-35.20113680 PubMed
2. Gulec SA, Siegel JA. Posttherapy radiation safety considerations in radiomicrosphere treatment with 90Y-microspheres. J Nucl Med 2007;48:2080-6.18006608 PubMed