The Basics
What is Exenatide?
Used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Brand names for Exenatide
N/A
How Exenatide is classified
Hypoglycemic Agents, Incretins, Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists, GLP-1 Agonists, Anti-Obesity Agents
Exenatide During Pregnancy
Exenatide 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 Exenatide while pregnant
N/A
Taking Exenatide While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Exenatide?
No information is available on the clinical use of exenatide during breastfeeding. Because exenatide is a large peptide molecule with a molecular weight of 4187 daltons, the amount in milk is likely to be very low and absorption is unlikely because it is probably destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. It has a short half-life, which might make it a better choice among drugs in this class for nursing mothers. Until more data become available, exenatide should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the clinical use of exenatide during breastfeeding. Because exenatide is a large peptide molecule with a molecular weight of 4187 daltons, the amount in milk is likely to be very low and absorption is unlikely because it is probably destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. It has a short half-life, which might make it a better choice among drugs in this class for nursing mothers. Until more data become available, exenatide should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Exenatide on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Exenatide
Acarbose, Glipizide, Glyburide, Insulin, Metformin, Miglitol.
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/None listed
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.
