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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-.
CASRN: 677324-53-7
Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta is a synthetic form of erythropoietin that slowly releases the active drug, epoetin beta (recombinant human erythropoietin). Erythropoietin is a normal component of human milk. The excretion of exogenous methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta in breastmilk has not been studied; although the similar drug epoetin alfa has been studied and is considered to be acceptable during breastfeeding. Since no information is available on its use during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
A study on Holder pasteurization of breastmilk found that the erythropoietin concentration in breastmilk dropped from about 1.9 international units/L before pasteurization to about 0.5 international units/L after pasteurization.[1]
Drug Levels
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.[3]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Enhancement of gastrointestinal tract maturation has been proposed as a function of erythropoietin in breastmilk.[2][3]
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
In small studies, epoetin alfa administration decreased serum prolactin in patients with amylotrophic lateral sclerosis,[13] but had no effect in normal subjects or in patients with renal failure undergoing chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.[14][15] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Alternate Drugs to Consider
References
- 1.
- Untalan PB, Keeney SE, Palkowetz KH et al. Heat susceptibility of interleukin-10 and other cytokines in donor human milk. Breastfeed Med. 2009;4:137-44. [PubMed: 19366315]
- 2.
- Miller M, Iliff P, Stoltzfus RJ, Humphrey J. Breastmilk erythropoietin and mother-to-child HIV transmission through breastmilk. Lancet. 2002;360:1246-8. [PubMed: 12401271]
- 3.
- Semba RD, Juul SE. Erythropoietin in human milk: Physiology and role in infant health. J Hum Lact. 2002;18:252-61. [PubMed: 12192960]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Epoetin Beta
CAS Registry Number
677324-53-7
Drug Class
- Breast Feeding
- Colony-Stimulating Factors
- Hematinics
- Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
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- Review Epoetin Alfa[Drugs and Lactation Database (...]Review Epoetin Alfa. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). 2006
- Review Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta: a review of its use in the management of anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease.[Drugs. 2008]Review Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta: a review of its use in the management of anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease.Curran MP, McCormack PL. Drugs. 2008; 68(8):1139-56.
- Time spent on erythropoietin stimulating agents administration in hemodialysis centers in Panama: a time and motion study.[J Med Econ. 2019]Time spent on erythropoietin stimulating agents administration in hemodialysis centers in Panama: a time and motion study.Chacón-Araya M, Rey-Rodríguez D, Rodríguez De León F, Ramos-Esquivel A, Sunning T. J Med Econ. 2019 Aug; 22(8):736-741. Epub 2019 Apr 12.
- Maintenance treatment of renal anaemia in haemodialysis patients with methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta versus darbepoetin alfa administered monthly: a randomized comparative trial.[Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2010]Maintenance treatment of renal anaemia in haemodialysis patients with methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta versus darbepoetin alfa administered monthly: a randomized comparative trial.Carrera F, Lok CE, de Francisco A, Locatelli F, Mann JF, Canaud B, Kerr PG, Macdougall IC, Besarab A, Villa G, et al. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2010 Dec; 25(12):4009-17. Epub 2010 Jun 3.
- Review Continuous erythropoiesis receptor activator (CERA) for the anaemia of chronic kidney disease.[Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017]Review Continuous erythropoiesis receptor activator (CERA) for the anaemia of chronic kidney disease.Saglimbene VM, Palmer SC, Ruospo M, Natale P, Craig JC, Strippoli GF. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Aug 7; 8:CD009904. Epub 2017 Aug 7.
- Epoetin Beta - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)Epoetin Beta - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
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