The Basics
What is Gadopentetate?
Dall’ara F, Reggia R, Bazzani C et al. Safety of anti-TNF alfa agents during pregancy and breastfeeding: longterm follow up of exposed children in a case-series of mothers with chronic arthritides. Ann Rheum Dis. 2016;75 (Suppl 2):493. Abstract. DOI: doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-eular.4123
18. Lund T, Thomsen SF. Use of TNF-inhibitors and ustekinumab for psoriasis during pregnancy: A patient series. Dermatol Ther. 2017;30:e12454. PMID: 28071837
Brand names for Gadopentetate
Magnevist
How Gadopentetate is classified
Contrast Media, Diagnostic Agents
Gadopentetate During Pregnancy
Gadopentetate pregnancy category
Category CNote 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 Gadopentetate while pregnant
N/A
Taking Gadopentetate While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Gadopentetate?
Amounts of gadolinium excreted into breastmilk after maternal gadopentetate are less than 1% of the amount allowed to be given to infants. In addition, because gadopentetate is poorly absorbed orally, it is not likely to reach the bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Gadopentetate has been associated with some cases of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with renal impairment. Guidelines developed by several North American professional organizations state that breastfeeding need not be disrupted after a nursing mother receives a gadolinium-containing contrast medium.[1][2][3]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Amounts of gadolinium excreted into breastmilk after maternal gadopentetate are less than 1% of the amount allowed to be given to infants. In addition, because gadopentetate is poorly absorbed orally, it is not likely to reach the bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Gadopentetate has been associated with some cases of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with renal impairment. Guidelines developed by several North American professional organizations state that breastfeeding need not be disrupted after a nursing mother receives a gadolinium-containing contrast medium.[1][2][3]
Possible effects of Gadopentetate on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Gadopentetate
Gadobenate, Gadobutrol, Gadoteridol, Gadoterate.
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. American College of Radiology Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media. Administration of contrast media to breast-feeding mothers. In, ACR manual on contrast media. 2017;Version 10.3:102-3. https://www.acr.org/~/media/37D84428BF1D4E1B9A3A2918DA9E27A3.pdf
2. Patenaude Y, Pugash D, Lim K et al. The use of magnetic resonance imaging in the obstetric patient. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2014;36:349-55. PMID: 24798674
3. Committee Opinion No. 723: Guidelines for Diagnostic Imaging During Pregnancy and Lactation. Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130:e210-e216. PMID: 28937575
4. Schmiedl U, Maravilla KR, Gerlach R, Dowling CA. Excretion of gadopentetate dimeglumine in human breast milk. AJR. 1990;154:1305-6. PMID: 2110745
5. Rofsky NM, Weinreb JC, Litt AW. Quantitative analysis of gadopentetate dimeglumine excreted in breast milk. J Magn Reson Imaging. 1993;3:131-2. PMID: 8428080
6. Kubik-Huch RA, Gottstein NM, Frenzel T et al. Gadopentetate dimeglumine excretion into human breast milk during lactation. Radiology. 2000;216:555-8. PMID: 10924585
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.
