Last update June 23, 2025

Офатумумаб

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

It is a human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of lymphocytic leukemia and recurrent multiple sclerosis. It is administered subcutaneously on a weekly or monthly basis.

Its extremely high molecular weight (>100,000 Da) explains the undetectable or negligible excretion observed in breast milk (Witt 2025), since molecules larger than 800–1,000 Da do not pass into breast milk. (Hale, Almas 2016, Anderson 2016)

Its low oral bioavailability suggests that the passage to infant plasma from ingested breast milk is null or negligible (Witzel 2014), except in premature infants and the immediate neonatal period, in which there may be greater intestinal absorption.

Twelve infants breastfed for an average of 10 months (2 to 24 months) while their mothers with multiple sclerosis were taking ofatumumab did not show any developmental problems, more infections than usual, or reactions to live attenuated virus vaccinations (Witt 2025). In fourteen cases of exposure to ofatumumab during lactation there was no effect on B-cell counts in infants. (Schwake 2022)

Null or negligible passage into breast milk of similar monoclonal antibodies, such as adalimumab, belimumab, certolizumab, golimumab, infliximab, ipilimumab, natalizumab, rituximab, tocilizumab and ustekinumab has been confirmed. (Dobson 2022, Bar-Gil 2021, LaHue 2020, Ciplea 2020, Saito 2020, 2019 y 2018, Krysko 2019, Whittam 2019, Klenske 2019, Matro 2018, Anderson 2018, Bragnes 2017, Witzel 2014, Ross 2014, Fritzsche 2012)

No problems have been detected in infants whose mothers received other similar monoclonal antibodies such as belimumab, bevacizumab, infliximab, rituximab, tocilizumab, or ustekinumab.(Bar-Gil 2021, LaHue 2020, Saito 2020, 2019 and 2018, Klenske 2019, Mugheddu 2019, Krysko 2019, Matro 2018, Bragnes 2017, Hyrich 2014, Danve 2014)

If the mother received treatment during the last weeks of pregnancy, she can start breastfeeding immediately after delivery. Avoid its use in the first two weeks after delivery: there may be a significant transfer of IgG to milk until the first 3-4 days postpartum. The manufacturer considers its use compatible with lactation. (EMA 2021)

Expert authors consider that the use of monoclonal antibodies during breastfeeding is safe or very likely to be safe. (Witt 2025, Dobson 2022, Whittam 2019, Matro 2018, Anderson 2018 y 2016, Mahadevan 2017, Almas 2016, Baker 2015, Briggs 2015, Damas 2015, Witzel 2014, Pistilli 2013, van der Woude 2010)

Given the strong evidence that exists on the benefits of breastfeeding and the development of babies and the health of their mothers, it might be appropriate to evaluate the risk-benefit of any maternal treatment, including chemotherapy, and counsel individually each mother who wishes to continue breastfeeding.(Koren 2013)


See below the information of these related products:

  • Maternal Cancer; Maternal Neoplasia (Unsafe. Moderate/severe adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Use safer alternative or discontinue breastfeeding from 5 to 7 T ½ . Read Commentary.)
  • Maternal Multiple Sclerosis (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)

Alternatives

  • Rituximab (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Офатумумаб in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Molecular weight 146.100 daltons
VD 0.08 l/Kg
Tmax 103 hours
31 - 336 hours
Theoretical Dose 0.0007 (0.0003 - 0.002) mg/Kg/d
Relative Dose 1.4 (0.6 - 4) %

References

  1. Dobson R, Rog D, Ovadia C, Murray K, Hughes S, Ford HL, Pearson OR, White S, Bonham N, Mathews J, Nelson-Piercy C, Brex P. Anti-CD20 therapies in pregnancy and breast feeding: a review and ABN guidelines. Pract Neurol. 2023 Feb;23(1):6-14. Consulted on April 9, 2023 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. Witt L, Dost-Kovalsky K, Friedmann N, Bast N, Haben S, Oganowski T, Gold R, Hellwig K, Thiel S. Ofatumumab-exposed breastfeeding in multiple sclerosis patients. Mult Scler. 2025 Mar;31(3):338-351. Abstract
  3. Krysko KM, Dobson R, Alroughani R, Amato MP, Bove R, Ciplea AI, Fragoso Y, Houtchens M, Jokubaitis VG, Magyari M, Abdelnasser A, Padma V, Thiel S, Tintore M, Vukusic S, Hellwig K. Family planning considerations in people with multiple sclerosis. Lancet Neurol. 2023 Apr;22(4):350-366. Abstract
  4. Stratigakis A, Paty D, Zou P, Zhao Z, Li Y, Zhang T. A regression approach for assessing large molecular drug concentration in breast milk. Reprod Breed 2023;3:199-207. Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Schwake C, Steinle J, Thiel S, Ciplea AI, Gold R, Hellwig K. Effects of anti-CD20 therapies on infant health and physiological B-cell development if administered before or during pregnancy and/or lactation. Mult Scler J. 2022;28(3) Suppl:29–30. ECTRIMS 2022 – Oral Presentations, O036.
  6. EMA. Ofatumumab. Drug Summary. 2021 Full text (in our servers)
  7. EMA. Ofatumumab. Ficha técnica. 2021 Full text (in our servers)
  8. Bar-Gil Shitrit A, Ben-Horin S, Mishael T, Hoyda A, Yavzori M, Picard O, Grisaru-Granovsky S, Helman S. Detection of Ustekinumab in Breast Milk of Nursing Mothers With Crohn Disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2021 Jan 2. pii: izaa325. Abstract
  9. Krysko KM, LaHue SC, Anderson A, Rutatangwa A, Rowles W, Schubert RD, Marcus J, Riley CS, Bevan C, Hale TW, Bove R. Minimal breast milk transfer of rituximab, a monoclonal antibody used in neurological conditions. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2019 Nov 12;7(1). pii: e637. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Sammaritano LR, Bermas BL, Chakravarty EE, Chambers C, Clowse MEB, Lockshin MD, Marder W, Guyatt G, Branch DW, Buyon J, Christopher-Stine L, Crow-Hercher R, Cush J, Druzin M, Kavanaugh A, Laskin CA, Plante L, Salmon J, Simard J, Somers EC, Steen V, Tedeschi SK, et al. 2020 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Management of Reproductive Health in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020 Apr;72(4):529-556. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  11. LaHue SC, Anderson A, Krysko KM, Rutatangwa A, Dorsey MJ, Hale T, Mahadevan U, Rogers EE, Rosenstein MG, Bove R. Transfer of monoclonal antibodies into breastmilk in neurologic and non-neurologic diseases. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2020 May 27;7(4). pii: e769. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  12. Saito J, Yakuwa N, Ishizuka T, Goto M, Yamatani A, Murashima A. Belimumab Concentrations in Maternal Serum and Breast Milk During Breastfeeding and the Safety Assessment of the Infant: A Case Study. Breastfeed Med. 2020 Jul;15(7):475-477. Abstract
  13. Ciplea AI, Langer-Gould A, de Vries A, Schaap T, Thiel S, Ringelstein M, Gold R, Hellwig K. Monoclonal antibody treatment during pregnancy and/or lactation in women with MS or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2020 Apr 23;7(4). pii: e723. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  14. Mugheddu C, Atzori L, Lappi A, Murgia S, Rongioletti F. Biologics exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding in a psoriasis patient. Dermatol Ther. 2019 May;32(3):e12895. Abstract
  15. Klenske E, Osaba L, Nagore D, Rath T, Neurath MF, Atreya R. Drug Levels in the Maternal Serum, Cord Blood and Breast Milk of a Ustekinumab-Treated Patient with Crohn's Disease. J Crohns Colitis. 2019 Feb 1;13(2):267-269. Abstract
  16. Saito J, Yakuwa N, Kaneko K, Takai C, Goto M, Nakajima K, Yamatani A, Murashima A. Tocilizumab during pregnancy and lactation: drug levels in maternal serum, cord blood, breast milk and infant serum. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2019 Aug 1;58(8):1505-1507. Abstract
  17. Whittam DH, Tallantyre EC, Jolles S, Huda S, Moots RJ, Kim HJ, Robertson NP, Cree BAC, Jacob A. Rituximab in neurological disease: principles, evidence and practice. Pract Neurol. 2019 Feb;19(1):5-20. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  18. Matro R, Martin CF, Wolf D, Shah SA, Mahadevan U. Exposure Concentrations of Infants Breastfed by Women Receiving Biologic Therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Effects of Breastfeeding on Infections and Development. Gastroenterology. 2018 Sep;155(3):696-704. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  19. Anderson PO. Drug Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis During Breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med. 2018 Nov;13(9):575-577. Abstract
  20. Saito J, Yakuwa N, Takai C, Nakajima K, Kaneko K, Goto M, Ishikawa Y, Murashima A. Tocilizumab concentrations in maternal serum and breast milk during breastfeeding and a safety assessment in infants: a case study. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2018 Aug 1;57(8):1499-1501. Abstract
  21. Rademaker M, Agnew K, Andrews M, Armour K, Baker C, Foley P, Frew J, Gebauer K, Gupta M, Kennedy D, Marshman G, Sullivan J. Psoriasis in those planning a family, pregnant or breast-feeding. The Australasian Psoriasis Collaboration. Australas J Dermatol. 2018 May;59(2):86-100. Abstract
  22. Bragnes Y, Boshuizen R, de Vries A, Lexberg Å, Østensen M. Low level of Rituximab in human breast milk in a patient treated during lactation. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2017 Jun 1;56(6):1047-1048. Abstract
  23. Anderson PO. Monoclonal Antibodies. Breastfeed Med. 2016 Apr;11:100-1. Abstract
  24. Almas S, Vance J, Baker T, Hale T. Management of Multiple Sclerosis in the Breastfeeding Mother. Mult Scler Int. 2016;2016:6527458. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  25. Götestam Skorpen C, Hoeltzenbein M, Tincani A, Fischer-Betz R, Elefant E, Chambers C, da Silva J, Nelson-Piercy C, Cetin I, Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Dolhain R, Förger F, Khamashta M, Ruiz-Irastorza G, Zink A, Vencovsky J, Cutolo M, Caeyers N, Zumbühl C, Østensen M. The EULAR points to consider for use of antirheumatic drugs before pregnancy, and during pregnancy and lactation. Ann Rheum Dis. 2016 May;75(5):795-810. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  26. Ross E, Robinson SE, Amato C, McMillan C, Westcott J, Wolf T, Robinson WA. Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in human breast milk: a case study. Melanoma Res. 2014 Apr;24(2):177-80. Abstract
  27. Hyrich KL, Verstappen SM. Biologic therapies and pregnancy: the story so far. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2014 Aug;53(8):1377-85. Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  28. Witzel SJ. Lactation and the use of biologic immunosuppressive medications. Breastfeed Med. 2014 Dec;9(10):543-6. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  29. Danve A, Perry L, Deodhar A. Use of belimumab throughout pregnancy to treat active systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2014 Oct;44(2):195-7. Abstract
  30. Mervic L. Management of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in pregnancy and lactation in the era of biologics. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2014;23(2):27-31. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  31. Butler DC, Heller MM, Murase JE. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: Part II. Lactation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Mar;70(3):417.e1-10; quiz 427. Abstract
  32. Pistilli B, Bellettini G, Giovannetti E, Codacci-Pisanelli G, Azim HA Jr, Benedetti G, Sarno MA, Peccatori FA. Chemotherapy, targeted agents, antiemetics and growth-factors in human milk: how should we counsel cancer patients about breastfeeding? Cancer Treat Rev. 2013 May;39(3):207-11. Abstract
  33. Koren G, Carey N, Gagnon R, Maxwell C, Nulman I, Senikas V; Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Cancer chemotherapy and pregnancy. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2013 Mar;35(3):263-278. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  34. Fritzsche J, Pilch A, Mury D, Schaefer C, Weber-Schoendorfer C. Infliximab and adalimumab use during breastfeeding. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2012 Sep;46(8):718-9. Abstract

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