Summary of Use during Lactation

No information is available on the use of bendamustine during breastfeeding. Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy, especially alkylating agents such as bendamustine.[1] Based on the half-life of the drug and its metabolites, the drug should be eliminated from the milk by 24 to 48 hours after the last dose. The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding be discontinued during bendamustine therapy and for at least 1 week 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 the closely related drug carmustine can increase serum prolactin.[2]

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

Bendamustine

CAS Registry Number

16506-27-7

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating

Nitrosourea Compounds