The Basics
What is Lepirudin?
Used to break up clots and to reduce thrombocytopenia.
Brand names for Lepirudin
Refludan
How Lepirudin is classified
Anticoagulants, Antithrombins
Lepirudin During Pregnancy
Lepirudin pregnancy category
Category BNote 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 Lepirudin while pregnant
N/A
Taking Lepirudin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Lepirudin?
Lepirudin is no longer marketed in the United States. Limited information indicates that lepirudin in doses up to 100 mg daily produce very low levels in milk. Because of its large molecular weight, it would not be expected to be absorbed from breastmilk by the infant. Lepirudin would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months.[1]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Lepirudin is no longer marketed in the United States. Limited information indicates that lepirudin in doses up to 100 mg daily produce very low levels in milk. Because of its large molecular weight, it would not be expected to be absorbed from breastmilk by the infant. Lepirudin would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months.[1]
Possible effects of Lepirudin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Lepirudin
Acenocoumarol, Dalteparin, Enoxaparin, Heparin, Warfarin.
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. Bates SM, Greer IA, Middeldorp S et al. VTE, thrombophilia, antithrombotic therapy, and pregnancy: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest. 2012;141 (2 Suppl):e691S-736S. PMID: 22315276
2. Lindhoff-Last E, Willeke A, Thalhammer C et al. Hirudin treatment in a breastfeeding woman. Lancet. 2000;355:467-8. PMID: 10841132
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.
