Summary of Use during Lactation

There are no data on the use of interferon alfacon-1 during breastfeeding. However, the amounts of the similar drugs, interferon alfa and interferon beta-1a, excreted into milk are very low. Any interferon in breastmilk is probably destroyed in the infant's gastrointestinal tract and not absorbed, except perhaps in neonates. Holder pasteurization (62.5 degrees C for 30 minutes) decreases the concentration of endogenous interferon-gamma by an average about 10%.[1]

Hepatitis C is not transmitted through breastmilk[2][3] and breastmilk has been shown to inactivate hepatitis C virus (HCV).[4][5] However, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that mothers with HCV infection should consider abstaining from breastfeeding if their nipples are cracked or bleeding. It is not clear if this warning would apply to mothers who are being treated for hepatitis C. Infants born to mothers with HCV infection should be tested for HCV infection; because maternal antibody is present for the first 18 months of life and before the infant mounts an immunologic response, nucleic acid testing is recommended.[2][3]

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.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

(Hepatitis B) Lamivudine, Tenofovir; (Hepatitis C) Interferon Alfacon, Peginterferon Alfa

References

1.

Ewaschuk JB, Unger S, O'Connor DL, Stone D, Harvey S, Clandinin MT et al. Effect of pasteurization on selected immune components of donated human breast milk. J Perinatol. 2011;31:593-8. [PubMed: 21330996]

2.

Cottrell EB, Chou R, Wasson N et al. Reducing risk for mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis C virus: A systematic review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med. 2013;158:109-13. [PubMed: 23437438]

3.

Workowski KA, Bolan GA. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2015;64:1-137. [PMC free article: PMC5885289] [PubMed: 26042815]

4.

Pfaender S, Heyden J, Friesland M et al. Inactivation of hepatitis C virus infectivity by human breast milk. J Infect Dis. 2013;208:1943-52. [PubMed: 24068703]

5.

Tovo PA, Calitri C, Scolfaro C et al. Vertically acquired hepatitis C virus infection: Correlates of transmission and disease progression. World J Gastroenterol. 2016;22:1382-92. [PMC free article: PMC4721973] [PubMed: 26819507]

Substance Name

Interferon Alfacon-1

CAS Registry Number

118390-30-0

Drug Class

• Breast Feeding
• Lactation
• Immunologic Adjuvants