The Basics
What is Alemtuzumab?
Used to treat a certain type of leukemia (B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, also known as B-CLL).
Brand names for Alemtuzumab
Campath
How Alemtuzumab is classified
Antineoplastic Agents, Antibodies – Monoclonal (Humanized), Immunosuppressive Agents
Alemtuzumab During Pregnancy
Alemtuzumab 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 Alemtuzumab while pregnant
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with CAMPATH. IgG antibodies, such as CAMPATH, can cross the placental barrier. It is not known whether CAMPATH can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. CAMPATH should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Taking Alemtuzumab While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Alemtuzumab?
No information is available on the clinical use of alemtuzumab during breastfeeding. Because alemtuzumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of 145,454, 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. Until more data become available, alemtuzumab should be used with caution or avoided during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.[1][2][3]
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the clinical use of alemtuzumab during breastfeeding. Because alemtuzumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of 145,454, 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. Until more data become available, alemtuzumab should be used with caution or avoided during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.[1][2][3]
Possible effects of Alemtuzumab on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Alemtuzumab
(Multiple Sclerosis) Glatiramer, Immune Globulin, Interferon Beta.
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. Bove R, Alwan S, Friedman JM et al. Management of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy and the reproductive years: a systematic review. Obstet Gynecol. 2014;124:1157-68. PMID: 25415167
2. Cree BA. Update on reproductive safety of current and emerging disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2013;19:835-43. PMID: 23319073
3. Almas S, Vance J, Baker T et al. Management of multiple sclerosis in the breastfeeding mother. Mult Scler Int. 2016;2016:6527458.9 PMID: 2696657
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.
