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Stelara and Breastfeeding
It is unknown if Stelara (ustekinumab) passes through breast milk. However, the active ingredient in Stelara is an antibody, which means it is likely to pass through breast milk but unlikely to be absorbed in large amounts by the nursing infant. If you are taking Stelara and thinking about breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider to determine what is best for your situation.
It is unknown if Stelara™ (ustekinumab) passes through breast milk in humans. The manufacturer recommends that nursing women use this medication with caution. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding a child, you should talk with your healthcare provider about taking Stelara.
What Does the Research Say?
No research has been done to see if Stelara passes through breast milk in humans. Similarly, it is unknown if the drug would be absorbed from the digestive tract of the infant or if it would cause any problems in a breastfed infant.
However, based on the fact that Stelara is an antibody, it is predicted that it will pass through breast milk but that it probably will not be absorbed from the infant's digestive system to any significant degree.
In general, very little is known about how most drugs perform in breastfeeding women, since it is usually considered unethical to study medications in this group. Although this lack of information can be frustrating, it is important to understand that this is done to protect babies, who cannot protect themselves.
You should discuss Stelara and breastfeeding with your healthcare provider. Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, the two of you can make a shared decision that is right for you.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD