Erbitux Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: EGFR is involved in foetal development. Limited observations in animals are indicative of a placental transfer of cetuximab, and other IgG1 antibodies have been found to cross the placental barrier. Animal data revealed no evidence of teratogenicity. However, dependent on the dose, an increased incidence of abortion was observed (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions). Sufficient data from pregnant or lactating women are not available.
It is strongly recommended that Erbitux be given during pregnancy or to any woman not employing adequate contraception only if the potential benefit for the mother justifies a potential risk to the foetus.
Breast-feeding: It is recommended that women do not breast-feed during treatment with Erbitux and for 2 months after the last dose, because it is not known whether cetuximab is excreted in breast milk.
Fertility: There are no data on the effect of cetuximab on human fertility. Effects on male and female fertility have not been evaluated within formal animal studies.