Can you take mepolizumab while breastfeeding?
What LactMed says
The National Library of Medicine’s own summary, quoted in full. We do not write a verdict of our own on this question, and we do not compress theirs into a label.
No information is available on the clinical use of mepolizumab during breastfeeding. Because mepolizumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of 149,000 Da, the amount in milk is likely to be very low. It is also likely to be partially destroyed in the infant's gastrointestinal tract and absorption by the infant is probably minimal. A task force respiratory experts from Europe, Australia and New Zealand found that mepolizumab is possibly acceptable during breastfeeding and an international consensus panel concluded that if the patient is in agreement, and the risks and benefits have been discussed, asthma biologics can be initiated or continued while breastfeeding. Waiting for at least 2 weeks postpartum to resume therapy may minimize transfer to the infant.
Quoted from Mepolizumab — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised October 15, 2024.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of mepolizumab. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much mepolizumab gets into breastmilk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
What has been seen in breastfed infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take mepolizumab while breastfeeding?
No information is available on the clinical use of mepolizumab during breastfeeding. The full record is quoted on this page, and the decision is one to make with the person who prescribed it — LactMed itself states it is not a substitute for professional judgement.
What can I take instead of mepolizumab while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Benralizumab, Omalizumab as alternate drugs to consider. That is the database's own list for this drug — whether any of them suits you depends on what you are treating.
Does mepolizumab pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for mepolizumab are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking mepolizumab?
LactMed does not frame its records that way — it reports measured drug levels in milk and what has been observed in breastfed infants, which is what this page quotes. "Pump and dump" advice for a specific drug and dose should come from your clinician or a pharmacist, not from a general rule.
More on mepolizumab
LactMed states that the information it presents is not a substitute for professional judgement, and that you should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Nothing on this page is medical advice.