Is C1 Esterase Inhibitor safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about C1 Esterase Inhibitor. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Three patients with hereditary angioedema received C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate on 12 occasions to relieve abdominal edematous episodes during breastfeeding. No adverse reactions were reported.[ 8 ] In a case series spanning 12 years, 21 mothers with hereditary angioedema breastfed their infants for a median duration of 4.8 months (range 1 to 34 months) while receiving C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate as needed. No side effects occurred in the breastfed infants.[ 9 ] A pregnant woman with severe hereditary angioedema required 500 IU of C1 inhibitor concentrate every 2 days to maintain her pregnancy. Postpartum, she received 500 IU on demand while breastfeeding. She used 88 vitals during her 6-month breastfeeding (extent not stated) period. No side effects or viral transmission were reported and or virus anti-C1-INH antibodies were not detected.[ 10 ] A woman with hereditary angioedema received C1 inhibitor concentrate 1000 units every week during pregnancy. Postpartum she used 500 units as needed. She and her breastfed infant were reportedly healthy.[ 11 ] A woman with hereditary angioedema used subcutaneous C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate 1500 units prophylactically twice a week during pregnancy and postpartum. At 7 weeks postpartum she was able to decrease the frequency to once weekly for 7 weeks, but then increased the frequency to twice weekly until almost 10 months postpartum. During this time, she breastfed her infant although the extent and duration were not stated. There was no mention of any adverse effects in her infant.[ 12 ] A 29-year-old woman with a long history of hereditary angioedema received subcutaneous C1-esterase therapy during pregnancy and postpartum in a dose of 2 x 3000 IU/week (presumably 3000 IU twice weekly). She breastfed her infant, but the extent and duration of breastfeeding was not specified. The authors reported that the infant experienced no adverse reactions.[ 13 ]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
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.
Source: NIH LactMed (National Library of Medicine).
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.