Last update Feb. 19, 2021

Omalizumab

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Probably compatible. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

It is a recombinant humanized IgG1 anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) monoclonal antibody.
It is an immunoglobulin G (IgG) of huge molecular weight that binds with great affinity to IgE, blocking it, forming IgG-IgE complexes of even larger size and molecular weight.
It is indicated in the prophylaxis of severe persistent asthma and in the treatment of chronic urticaria.
Its use is authorized in children from 6 years of age (EMA 2016, Pediamecum 2015).
Subcutaneous administration every 2 to 4 weeks.

It is excreted in breast milk in clinically insignificant amounts (Saito 2020) and no problems have been observed in infants whose mothers have taken it (Losappio 2020, López 2019, Ensina 2017, González 2017).

Its high molecular weight makes its excretion in milk very unlikely.

Its low oral bioavailability would hinder its transfer to infant plasma from ingested breast milk since, due to its protein nature, it degrades in the gastrointestinal tract, and is not absorbed, except in premature infants and the immediate neonatal period, when there may be greater intestinal permeability.

Several medical societies, experts authors and expert consensus, consider the use of this medication to be safe or very probably safe during breastfeeding (Hale, Lactmed, Türk 2020, Middleton 2020, Whittam 2019, Matro 2018, Anderson 2018 y 2016, Witzel 2014, Pistilli 2013).

Other monoclonal antibodies of similar structure and molecular weight (adalimumab, certolizumab, infliximab) are known not to be excreted in breast milk in clinically significant amounts and do not harm the infant, and are therefore considered compatible with breastfeeding.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Omalizumab.

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

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José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.
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Other names

Omalizumab is also known as


Omalizumab in other languages or writings:

Groups

Omalizumab belongs to these groups or families:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Omalizumab in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 0 (Subcut: 62) %
Molecular weight 149.000 daltons
VD 0.08 l/Kg
Tmax 168 - 192 hours
T½ 624 hours
Theoretical Dose 0.0003 -0.001 mg/Kg/d

References

  1. Hale TW. Medications & Mothers' Milk. 1991- . Springer Publishing Company. Available from https://www.halesmeds.com Consulted on March 17, 2022 Full text (link to original source)
  2. LactMed. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Internet. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/ 2006 - Consulted on March 15, 2022 Full text (link to original source)
  3. Chambers CD, Krishnan JA, Alba L, Albano JD, Bryant AS, Carver M, Cohen LS, Gorodetsky E, Hernandez-Diaz S, Honein MA, Jones BL, Murray RK, Namazy JA, Sahin L, Spong CY, Vasisht KP, Watt K, Wurst KE, Yao L, Schatz M. The safety of asthma medications during pregnancy and lactation: Clinical management and research priorities. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021 Jun;147(6):2009-2020. Abstract
  4. 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
  5. Saito J, Yakuwa N, Sandaiji N, Uno C, Yagishita S, Suzuki T, Ozawa K, Kamura S, Yamatani A, Wada S, Sago H, Murashima A. Omalizumab concentrations in pregnancy and lactation: A case study. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020 Nov - Dec;8(10):3603-3604. Abstract
  6. Middleton PG, Gade EJ, Aguilera C, MacKillop L, Button BM, Coleman C, Johnson B, Albrechtsen C, Edenborough F, Rigau D, Gibson PG, Backer V. ERS/TSANZ Task Force Statement on the management of reproduction and pregnancy in women with airways diseases. Eur Respir J. 2020 Feb 6;55(2). pii: 1901208. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Losappio LM, Mirone C, Schroeder JW, Scibilia J, Balossi L, Pastorello EA. Omalizumab Use in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria during Pregnancy and a Four Years' Follow-Up: A Case Report. Case Rep Dermatol. 2020 Oct 8;12(3):174-177. Abstract
  8. 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)
  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. Türk M, Carneiro-Leão L, Kolkhir P, Bonnekoh H, Buttgereit T, Maurer M. How to Treat Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria with Omalizumab: Questions and Answers. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020 Jan;8(1):113-124. Abstract
  12. 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)
  13. 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
  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. López Leon, S, Kaufman DG, Howard M, et al. Safety outcomes among infants exposed to omalizumab via breastfeeding: Results from the Xolair Pregnancy Registry (Expect). Abstracts of the 35th International Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology & Therapeutic Risk Management, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA, August 24‐28, 2019 Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2019;28 (Suppl 2):374-5. Abstract 772. Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  17. 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
  18. 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)
  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. 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)
  23. González-Medina M, Curto-Barredo L, Labrador-Horrillo M, Giménez-Arnau A. Omalizumab use during pregnancy for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU): report of two cases. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2017 May;31(5):e245-e246. Abstract
  24. Ensina LF, Cusato-Ensina AP, Camelo-Nunes IC, Solé D. Omalizumab as Third-Line Therapy for Urticaria During Pregnancy. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2017;27(5):326-327. Abstract
  25. 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
  26. 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)
  27. EMA. Omalizumab. Ficha técnica. 2016 Full text (in our servers)
  28. 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)
  29. Anderson PO. Monoclonal Antibodies. Breastfeed Med. 2016 Apr;11:100-1. Abstract
  30. EMA. Omalizumab. Drug Summary. 2016 Full text (in our servers)
  31. Comité de Medicamentos de la Asociación Española de Pediatría. Omalizumab. Pediamécum. 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  32. 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)
  33. 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
  34. 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)
  35. 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
  36. 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)
  37. 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)
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. FDA. Omalizumab. Drug Summary. 2007 Full text (in our servers)

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