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Berinert and Breastfeeding
The manufacturer of Berinert recommends that breastfeeding women should only receive this drug if it is clearly needed. It is currently unknown whether the medication would pass through breast milk. Because every woman's situation is different, talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using this drug while breastfeeding.
Berinert® (C1 esterase inhibitor) is a prescription medication used in the treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE), a genetic condition that can cause sudden episodes of swelling in the body. Berinert is approved to treat these sudden swelling attacks when they occur. It is not known whether the drug passes through breast milk.
Berinert has not been adequately studied in breastfeeding women. Therefore, it is not known whether the drug passes through breast milk or if it would harm a nursing child.
There are reported cases of breastfeeding women using the drug as needed to treat hereditary angioedema attacks. In these cases, no side effects were reported in the nursing infants.
There are reported cases of breastfeeding women using the drug as needed to treat hereditary angioedema attacks. In these cases, no side effects were reported in the nursing infants.
Based on the properties of the drug, it is not expected to pass through breast milk in large amounts. In addition, any of the medication found in breast milk would likely be destroyed in an infant's stomach or intestines, and not absorbed into the infant's bloodstream.
The manufacturer recommends Berinert only be used in breastfeeding women if clearly needed. However, some experts consider C1 esterase inhibitors the medications of choice for treating and preventing hereditary angioedema attacks in women who are nursing.
If your healthcare provider recommends Berinert treatment while you are breastfeeding, make sure to watch for any possible side effects in your nursing child after you receive a dose. Potential side effects may include but are not limited to:
- A rash
- Vomiting
- Difficulty feeding
- Unexplained or excessive crying.
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD