Summary of Use during Lactation

Information from one patient indicates that the drug may be used in nursing mothers; however, more data are needed. Since glycosylated belatacept has a molecular weight of 92,300 Da, it is unlikely to appear in milk. The manufacturer recommends avoiding nursing if belatacept is given. Because the drug's half-life is 8 to 10 days, it may be more than a month after a dose before the drug is absent from breastmilk.

Drug Levels

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

A mother with a liver transplant was maintained on belatacept 10 mg/kg monthly, slow-release tacrolimus (Envarsus and Veloxis) 2 mg daily, azathioprine 25 mg daily, and prednisone 2.5 mg daily. She breastfed her infant for a year (extent not stated). The infant’s growth and cognitive milestones were normal.[1]

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

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

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Azathioprine, Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus

References

1.

Klintmalm GB, Gunby RT Jr. Successful pregnancy in a liver transplant recipient on belatacept. Liver Transpl. 2020;26:1193–4. [PubMed: 32337853]

Substance Name

Belatacept

CAS Registry Number

706808-37-9

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Immunosuppressive Agents