Last update May 15, 2025

Trastuzumab Emtansine

Incompatible

Very unsafe. Contraindicated. Use of an alternative or cessation of breastfeeding. Read the Commentary.

It is the binding of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab conjugated to emtansine, a highly cytotoxic agent, which is selectively transported by trastuzumab to cancer cells expressing the HER2 gene. Indicated for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive locally advanced HER2-positive breast cancer who have previously received trastuzumab and a taxane separately or in combination. Intravenous administration in a 1-3 week schedule. 

At the date of the last update, we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Although trastuzumab, due to its very high molecular weight and lack of intestinal absorption, could be compatible with breastfeeding, emtansine (there is an average of 3.5 molecules of emtansine for every molecule of trastuzumab) is of low molecular weight (LactMed) and could be excreted in breast milk.

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See below the information of this related product:

  • Trastuzumab (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)

Alternatives

  • Trastuzumab (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)

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.

Other names

Trastuzumab Emtansine is also known as


Trastuzumab Emtansine in other languages or writings:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Trastuzumab Emtansine in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
VD 0.044 l/Kg
96 hours

References

  1. 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 April 16, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  2. Hoffmann-La Roche. Trastuzumab-Emtansine. Drug Summary. 2022 Full text (in our servers)
  3. EMA. Trastuzumab-Emtansina. Ficha técnica. 2018 Full text (in our servers)

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