Last update June 30, 2025

Ublituximab

Likely Compatibility

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

Ublituximab is a recombinant anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It is administered by intravenous infusion, with an initial dose, another dose two weeks later, and then every 24 weeks. The premedication administered beforehand to alleviate possible side effects, a corticosteroid, an antihistamine and an antipyretic, is compatible with breastfeeding.

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

Its very high molecular weight (>100,000 Da) makes it highly unlikely that it will pass into breast milk in significant quantities, as molecules larger than 800-1,000 Da do not pass into breast milk. (Stratigakis 2023, Gklinos 2023, Almas 2016, Anderson 2016)

Due to its protein nature, it is inactivated in the gastrointestinal tract and is not absorbed (oral bioavailability is practically zero), which hinders or prevents its passage into the infant's plasma from ingested breast milk (Gklinos 2023, Anderson 2021), except in premature babies and the immediate neonatal period, when there may be greater intestinal permeability. (Sammaritano 2020)

According to the manufacturer: "Human IgGs are known to be excreted in breast milk during the first few days after birth, which decreases to low concentrations soon afterwards; consequently, a risk to the breast-fed infant cannot be excluded during this short period. Afterwards, ublituximab could be used during breast-feeding if clinically needed." (EMA 2023). Expert authors advise waiting at least two weeks after giving birth before resuming treatment. (Krysko 2023)


See below the information of this related product:

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

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Ublituximab.

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

Ublituximab in other languages or writings:

Groups

Ublituximab belongs to these groups or families:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Ublituximab in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. ≃ 0 %
Molecular weight 147.000 daltons
VD 0.05 l/Kg
528 hours

References

  1. 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
  2. EMA. Ublituximab. Drug Summary. 2023 Full text (in our servers)
  3. EMA. Ublituximab. Ficha técnica. 2023 Full text (in our servers)
  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. Gklinos P, Dobson R. Monoclonal Antibodies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Review and an Updated Clinical Guide. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2023 May 21;16(5). Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  6. Anderson PO. Monoclonal Antibodies During Breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med. 2021 Aug;16(8):591-593. Abstract
  7. 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)
  8. 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)
  9. Anderson PO. Monoclonal Antibodies. Breastfeed Med. 2016 Apr;11:100-1. Abstract

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