Breastfeeding


 

Many new mothers with MS are concerned about the potential for postpartum relapses. Whether exclusive breastfeeding could mitigate this risk is debated [1,2].

Until 2019, new mothers with MS have had to decide between nursing and resuming treatment. The decision is often made on the basis of MS activity before and after pregnancy [1-4]. While mothers with stable disease have seemed to lean towards breastfeeding, those with active disease have been more likely to restart MS therapy early after delivery and refrain from breastfeeding [5,6]. The reduction in postpartum relapses observed in contemporary cohorts may be a result of this approach [7,8].

 

As of 2019, new mothers have more options: interferon beta therapies like BETAFERON can be taken while breastfeeding, with limited information available on the transfer of BETAFERON into human milk [9].

According to the BETAFERON European Summary of Product Characteristics, limited information available on the transfer of interferon beta-1b into breast milk, together with the chemical / physiological characteristics of interferon beta, suggests that levels of interferon beta-1b excreted in human milk are negligible. No harmful effects on the breastfed newborn/infant are anticipated. BETFAERON can be used during breast-feeding [9].

 

In a small study (n=6), the relative infant dose was estimated to be only 0.006% of the maternal dose (data generated with intramuscular interferon beta-1a) [10,11]. Furthermore, any trace amounts ingested by the infant would likely be depolymerized in the gastrointestinal tract [3].

 

Evaluation of data from the German MS and Pregnancy Registry found no negative influences on growth or development in infants (n=74) whose mothers (n=69) breastfed under interferon beta (n=39), glatiramer acetate (n=34) or both (n=1)* [12]. The median duration of interferon beta-exposed breastfeeding was 8.5 months, with a very wide range of 0.5–28.5 months. Markers of child well-being and development (body weight, body length, head circumference, motor and language development, number of hospitalizations or antibiotic use) were consistent with national averages [12].

 

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BETAFERON and breastfeeding

Excerpt from the European SmPC

Prof. Dr. Bassem Yamout

MS, therapy and breastfeeding

 

Return to 'pregnancy'

 

*Growth and development data evaluated up to 12 months [12]

 

References

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