Can you take rasburicase 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 rasburicase during breastfeeding. Because it is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of about 34,000 Da, the amount in milk is likely to be very low and absorption is unlikely because it is probably partly destroyed in the infant's gastrointestinal tract. However, the manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding be discontinued during rasburicase therapy and for 2 weeks after the final dose. An alternate drug can be considered.
Quoted from Rasburicase — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised November 15, 2023.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of rasburicase. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much rasburicase 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 rasburicase while breastfeeding?
No information is available on the clinical use of rasburicase 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 rasburicase while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Allopurinol, Probenecid 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 rasburicase pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for rasburicase are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking rasburicase?
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 rasburicase
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.