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

Hydroxycarbamide

May 1, 2016 (Low Risk)

Used for the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders (polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, myeloid leukemia, myeloid splenomegaly), certain cancers and prevention of recurrent painful occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia from older than 2 years old .

It is excreted in breast milk in small amounts, below 10% of relative adult dose or theoretical dose in pediatric patients, so it is not expected the occurrence of side effects on the breastfed infant whose mother is receiving this treatment.

Risk may be lowered, especially in infants younger than 3 months, by delaying breastfeeding from 12 to 24 hours after dose.
Whenever a long-term treatment is desired monitoring of blood count in the infant should be considered.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Hydroxycarbamide.

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

  • Hydroxyurea

Writings

  • Υδροξυουρία (Greek)
  • هيدروكسيكارباميد (Arabic)
  • Гидроксикарбамид (Cyrillic)
  • 羟基脲 (Chinese)
  • ヒドロキシカルバミド (Japanese)
  • NH2.CO.NHOH (Molecular formula)

References

  1. EMA. Hydroxyurea. Drug Summary. 2014 Full text (in our servers)
  2. EMA. Hidroxicarbamida. Ficha técnica. 2014 Full text (in our servers)
  3. Rodriguez GI, Kuhn JG, Weiss GR, Hilsenbeck SG, Eckardt JR, Thurman A, Rinaldi DA, Hodges S, Von Hoff DD, Rowinsky EK. A bioavailability and pharmacokinetic study of oral and intravenous hydroxyurea. Blood. 1998Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Sylvester RK, Lobell M, Teresi ME, Brundage D, Dubowy R. Excretion of hydroxyurea into milk. Cancer. 1987Abstract Full text (in our servers)