Is Epoetin Beta safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Epoetin Beta. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Enhancement of gastrointestinal tract maturation has been proposed as a function of erythropoietin in breastmilk.[ 1 , 2 ]
Effects on milk supply
In small studies, epoetin alfa administration decreased serum prolactin in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,[ 3 ] but had no effect in normal subjects or in patients with renal failure undergoing chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.[ 4 , 5 ] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information on exogenous administration of epoetin beta was not found as of the revision date. However, breastmilk normally contains erythropoietin. Erythropoietin concentrations in human milk are in the range of approximately 4 to 5 units/L in the first 1 to 2 months postpartum and increase to 20 to 40 units/L by the third month and to 100 to 150 units/L by 12 months.[ 1 ] 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.