Elotuzumab

The Basics

What is Elotuzumab?

Used in combination chemotherapy to treat multiple myeloma.

Brand names for Elotuzumab

Empliciti

How Elotuzumab is classified

Antibodies – Monoclonal (Humanized), Antineoplastic Agents

Elotuzumab During Pregnancy

Elotuzumab 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 Elotuzumab while pregnant

There are no available data on EMPLICITI use in pregnant women to inform a drug associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with elotuzumab. EMPLICITI is administered in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone or pomalidomide and dexamethasone. Lenalidomide and pomalidomide can cause embryo-fetal harm and are contraindicated for use in pregnancy. Refer to the lenalidomide, pomalidomide and dexamethasone prescribing information for additional information. Lenalidomide and pomalidomide are only available through a REMS program. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Taking Elotuzumab While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Elotuzumab?

No information is available on the clinical use of elotuzumab during breastfeeding. Because elotuzumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of 148,100, 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. However, elotuzumab is administered with dexamethasone and lenalidomide, two drugs which also have no information on use in nursing mothers. The manufacturer recommends that women receiving elotuzumab should not breastfeed.

Maternal / infant drug levels

No information is available on the clinical use of elotuzumab during breastfeeding. Because elotuzumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of 148,100, 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. However, elotuzumab is administered with dexamethasone and lenalidomide, two drugs which also have no information on use in nursing mothers. The manufacturer recommends that women receiving elotuzumab should not breastfeed.

Possible effects of Elotuzumab on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Elotuzumab