Summary of Use during Lactation

No information is available on the use of carmustine during breastfeeding. Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy, especially alkylating agents such as carmustine.[1] The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding be discontinued during carmustine therapy and for 1 month 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

Some evidence indicates that carmustine can increase serum prolactin.[2] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

References

1.

Pistilli B, Bellettini G, Giovannetti E, et al. Chemotherapy, targeted agents, antiemetics and growth-factors in human milk: How should we counsel cancer patients about breastfeeding? Cancer Treat Rev. 2013;39:207–11. [PubMed: 23199900]

2.

Constine LS, Rubin P, Woolf PD, et al. Hyperprolactinemia and hypothyroidism following cytotoxic therapy for central nervous system malignancies. J Clin Oncol. 1987;5:1841–51. [PubMed: 3681371]

Substance Name

Carmustine

CAS Registry Number

154-93-8

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating

Nitrosourea Compounds