Breast-Feeding and Tacrolimus: What's the Risk?

Maternal tacrolimus therapy is not a reason to avoid breast-feeding.

Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor prescribed as an immunosuppressant for solid organ transplants and immune-mediated renal disorders. Because of a hypothetical risk for neonatal immunosuppression from tacrolimus exposure, mothers receiving tacrolimus therapy have been discouraged from breast-feeding. To determine whether breast milk transfers the drug to the infant, researchers in England examined tacrolimus blood levels in 12 exclusively breast-fed and 3 bottle-fed infants of mothers who took the drug during pregnancy and lactation.

Cord blood tacrolimus levels were similar in the two infant groups and lower than maternal levels. Infant tacrolimus levels declined approximately 15% per day, and the rate of decline was similar in breast- …

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)