Is Deferasirox safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Deferasirox. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
A woman with beta-thalassemia was started on deferasirox 2250 mg (35 mg/kg) daily immediately postpartum and exclusively breastfed her infant. Blood samples were taken from the infant at 1, 10 and 30 days postpartum. Serum ferritin levels were 190, 218, and 96 mcg/L, respectively (normal range 22 to 275 mcg/L). Serum iron levels were 101, 77 and 71 mcg/dL, respectively (normal range 60 to 170 mcg/dL). The infant's growth was normal during the first month at the 41st percentile.[ 2 ]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. A woman with beta-thalassemia was started on deferasirox 2250 mg (35 mg/kg) daily immediately postpartum. The drug was undetectable ( 0.1 mcg/L) in a milk sample taken 2 hours after a dose.[ 2 ] Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
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.