Lepirudin is no longer marketed in the United States. Limited information indicates that lepirudin in doses up to 100 mg daily produce very low levels in milk. Because of its large molecular weight, it would not be expected to be absorbed from breastmilk by the infant. Lepirudin would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months.[1]
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. One mother who was 10 weeks postpartum received lepirudin 50 mg twice daily subcutaneously. Her breastmilk had undetectable (<0.1 mg/L) lepirudin levels 3 hours after a dose.[2]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
One infant was breastfed for 3 months during therapeutic lepirudin use beginning at 7 weeks of age. No bleeding events occurred.[2]
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Bates SM, Rajasekhar A, Middeldorp S, et al. American Society of Hematology 2018 guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism: Venous thromboembolism in the context of pregnancy. Blood Adv. 2018;2:3317–59. [PMC free article: PMC6258928] [PubMed: 30482767]
2.
Lindhoff-Last E, Willeke A, Thalhammer C, et al. Hirudin treatment in a breastfeeding woman. Lancet. 2000;355:467–8. [PubMed: 10841132]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Lepirudin
CAS Registry Number
138068-37-8
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Milk, Human
Anticoagulants
Antithrombins
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