The Basics
What is Brodalumab?
Used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults.
Brand names for Brodalumab
Siliq
How Brodalumab is classified
Antibodies – Monoclonal, Dermatologic Agents
Brodalumab During Pregnancy
Brodalumab 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 Brodalumab while pregnant
N/A
Taking Brodalumab While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Brodalumab?
No information is available on the clinical use of brodalumab during breastfeeding. Because brodalumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of about 144,000, 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, brodalumab should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Brodalumab is a human immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2) kappa antibody. Holder pasteurization (62.5 degrees C for 30 minutes) decreases the concentration of endogenous immunoglobulin G by up to 79%.[1][2] A study of 67 colostrum samples that underwent Holder pasteurization found that IgG amounts decreased by 34 to 40%. Specific IgG subclasses decreased by different amounts, with IgG2 activity decreasing by about 50%.[3] None of the studies measured IgG activity.
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the clinical use of brodalumab during breastfeeding. Because brodalumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of about 144,000, 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, brodalumab should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Brodalumab is a human immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2) kappa antibody. Holder pasteurization (62.5 degrees C for 30 minutes) decreases the concentration of endogenous immunoglobulin G by up to 79%.[1][2] A study of 67 colostrum samples that underwent Holder pasteurization found that IgG amounts decreased by 34 to 40%. Specific IgG subclasses decreased by different amounts, with IgG2 activity decreasing by about 50%.[3] None of the studies measured IgG activity.
Possible effects of Brodalumab on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Brodalumab
(Psoriasis) Adalimumab; Infliximab; Phototherapy.
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. Koenig A, de Albuquerque Diniz EM, Barbosa SF et al. Immunologic factors in human milk: The effects of gestational age and pasteurization. J Hum Lact. 2005;21:439-43. PMID: 16280560
2. Adhisivam B, Vishnu Bhat B, Rao K et al. Effect of Holder pasteurization on macronutrients and immunoglobulin profile of pooled donor human milk. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2018;1-4. PMID: 29587541
3. Rodriguez-Camejo C, Puyol A, Fazio L et al. Antibody profile of colostrum and the effect of processing in human milk banks: Implications in immunoregulatory properties. J Hum Lact. 2018;34:137-47. PMID: 28586632
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.
