Is Abacavir compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Abacavir?

Abacavir

September 30, 2015 (Very Low Risk)

Anti-HIV drug which is indicated for children older than 3 mo.

The amount excreted into breast milk is minimal. Plasma levels have failed to be found in breastfed infants of treated women

Mothers must be adviced that transmission of HIV infection by breastfeeding has been documented. However, mothers treated with Abacavir are at lower risk of HIV transmission through breastfeeding.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Abacavir since it is relatively safe.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

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

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Abacavir Sulphate
  • Abacavirum
  • Abakavir

References

  1. Shapiro RL, Rossi S, Ogwu A, Moss M, Leidner J, Moffat C, Lockman S, Moyo S, Makhema J, Essex M, Capparelli E. Therapeutic levels of lopinavir in late pregnancy and abacavir passage into breast milk in the Mma Bana Study, Botswana. Antivir Ther. 2013Abstract
  2. Ribera E, Tuset M, Martín M, del Cacho E. [Characteristics of antiretroviral drugs]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin. 2011Abstract
  3. Shapiro RL, Hughes MD, Ogwu A, Kitch D, Lockman S, Moffat C, Makhema J, Moyo S, Thior I, McIntosh K, van Widenfelt E, Leidner J, Powis K, Asmelash A, Tumbare E, Zwerski S, Sharma U, Handelsman E, Mburu K, Jayeoba O, Moko E, Souda S, et al. Antiretroviral regimens in pregnancy and breast-feeding in Botswana. N Engl J Med. 2010Abstract Full text (link to original source)