Exenatide

Summary of Use during Lactation

No information is available on the clinical use of exenatide during breastfeeding. Because exenatide is a large peptide molecule with a molecular weight of 4187 daltons, the amount in milk is likely to be very low and absorption is unlikely because it is probably partially destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. It has a short half-life, which might make it a better choice among drugs in this class for nursing mothers. If exenatide is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. However, until more data become available, exenatide should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Some experts recommend closely monitoring of infant growth and developmental milestones and the nutritional status of the lactating woman.[1]

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

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.

Maslin K, Shawe J, Blowers S, et al. Incretin-based medications in women and reproduction: A systematic scoping review and consensus guidelines for clinical practice. Obes Rev 2026:e70203. [PubMed: 42528099]

Alternate Drugs to Consider

(Diabetes) Acarbose, Colesevelam, Glipizide, Glyburide, Insulin, Metformin, Miglitol, Semaglutide, Tirzepatide

Substance Name

Exenatide

CAS Registry Number

141758-74-9

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Hypoglycemic Agents

Incretins

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists

GLP-1 Agonists