The Basics
What is Epoetin Beta?
Used to treat anemia, commonly associated with chronic kidney failure and cancer chemotherapy.
Brand names for Epoetin Beta
N/A
How Epoetin Beta is classified
Colony-Stimulating Factors, Hematinics, Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors
Epoetin Beta During Pregnancy
Epoetin Beta pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Epoetin Beta while pregnant
N/A
Taking Epoetin Beta While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Epoetin Beta?
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]
Maternal / infant drug levels
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]
Possible effects of Epoetin Beta on milk supply
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.
Possible alternatives to Epoetin Beta
Epoetin Alfa.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. 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. PMID: 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. PMID: 12401271
3. Semba RD, Juul SE. Erythropoietin in human milk: Physiology and role in infant health. J Hum Lact. 2002;18:252-61. PMID: 12192960
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
