The Basics
What is Perflutren?
Ultrasound contrast agent.
Brand names for Perflutren
Definity
How Perflutren is classified
Contrast Media, Diagnostic Agents, Fluorocarbons, Gases
Perflutren During Pregnancy
Perflutren 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 Perflutren while pregnant
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of DEFINITY in pregnant women. Reproduction studies performed in rats and rabbits at doses up to 24 and 15 times the human dose based on body surface area (in rats and rabbits respectively) revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to DEFINITY. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Taking Perflutren While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Perflutren?
No information is available on the clinical use of perflutren during breastfeeding. Because of the extremely short elimination half-life of perflutren (<2 minutes) from the body, use of perflutren either as albumin microspheres or lipid microspheres is acceptable in nursing mothers.[1] Because of the lack of information, the American College of Radiology states that temporary (~24 hours) pumping and discarding of milk may be considered.[2] However, this recommendation appears to be excessively cautious.
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the clinical use of perflutren during breastfeeding. Because of the extremely short elimination half-life of perflutren (<2 minutes) from the body, use of perflutren either as albumin microspheres or lipid microspheres is acceptable in nursing mothers.[1] Because of the lack of information, the American College of Radiology states that temporary (~24 hours) pumping and discarding of milk may be considered.[2] However, this recommendation appears to be excessively cautious.
Possible effects of Perflutren on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Perflutren
None listed
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. Cova MA, Stacul F, Quaranta R et al. Radiological contrast media in the breastfeeding woman: a position paper of the Italian Society of Radiology (SIRM), the Italian Society of Paediatrics (SIP), the Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN) and the Task Force on Breastfeeding, Ministry of Health, Italy. Eur Radiol. 2014;24:2012-22. PMID: 24838733
2. American College of Radiology Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media. Administration of contrast media to breast-feeding mothers. In, ACR manual on contrast media. 2017;Version 10.3:102-3. https://www.acr.org/~/media/37D84428BF1D4E1B9A3A2918DA9E27A3.pdf
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.
