Abraxane and Breastfeeding

It is generally recommended to avoid breastfeeding while taking Abraxane (protein-bound paclitaxel). Nursing while using this drug may cause harm to your infant, because the medicine may pass through breast milk. Since everyone's situation is different, however, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about your options.

An Overview of Abraxane and Breastfeeding

It is not known if Abraxane® (protein-bound paclitaxel) passes through breast milk. Because of the potentially serious side effects that could occur in the nursing infant, the manufacturer of Abraxane recommends that women not breastfeed while taking the drug. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or thinking of starting, make sure to let your healthcare provider know before taking Abraxane.
 

What Does the Research Say?

In studies, Abraxane was shown to pass through breast milk in rats, but is not known if the medicine passes through breast milk in humans. Because Abraxane can cause very dangerous side effects, it is generally recommended that women stop breastfeeding while taking Abraxane. If your healthcare provider recommends breastfeeding while using this drug, be sure to watch for any side effects in your child.
 

Talking With Your Healthcare Provider

You should talk with your healthcare provider about breastfeeding and Abraxane.
 Everyone's situation is different, and your healthcare provider understands your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision that is right for you.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
Referring Pages Articles