Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (Human) use while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

No information is available on the clinical use of varicella zoster immune globulin during breastfeeding. Varicella zoster immune globulin is an immune globulin (IgG) rich in IgG antibodies against varicella zoster virus. IgG is a normal component of breastmilk that is likely to be partially destroyed in the infant's gastrointestinal tract and poorly absorbed by the infant during breastfeeding. Varicella zoster virus immune globulin can be given intramuscularly to infants weighing less than 2 kg. No special precautions are required during breastfeeding.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Colostrum (3 days postpartum) and milk (7 days postpartum) samples from 2 mothers who were receiving intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for the treatment of common variable immunodeficiency were studied. One mother was receiving 400 to 500 mg/kg of IVIG monthly and the other received 600 to 700 mg/kg of IVIG monthly. The time of the last dose before sample collection was not reported. Immune globulin G (IgG) concentrations were normal in the first mother's colostrum and milk and higher than normal in the colostrum of the second mother. IgM levels were normal in the colostrum and milk first mother and low in the second.[1]

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

References

1.

Palmeira P, Costa-Carvalho BT, Arslanian C, et al. Transfer of antibodies across the placenta and in breast milk from mothers on intravenous immunoglobulin. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2009;20:528–35. [PubMed: 19220771]

Substance Name

Anthrax Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)

CAS Registry Number

445026-73-3

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Antibodies

Immunoglobulin G

Immunoglobulins