Summary of Use during Lactation

No information is available on the clinical use of ramucirumab during breastfeeding. Because ramucirumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of about 147,000 Da, the amount in milk is likely to be very low.[1] It is also likely to be partially destroyed in the infant's gastrointestinal tract and absorption by the infant is probably minimal.[2] Until more data become available, ramucirumab should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding be discontinued during ramucirumab therapy and for 2 months after the last dose.

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.

Stratigakis A, Paty D, Zou P, et al. A regression approach for assessing large molecular drug concentration in breast milk. Reprod Breed 2023;3:199-207. doi:10.1016/j.repbre.2023.10.003 [CrossRef]

2.

Anderson PO. Monoclonal antibodies during breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med 2021;16:591-3. [PubMed: 33956488]

Substance Name

Ramucirumab

CAS Registry Number

947687-13-0

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Antineoplastic Agents