Is it safe to take Oxycontin while breastfeeding?

The Safety of OxyContin Use While Breastfeeding
As the opioid crisis continues to loom large over public health discussions, the question of whether it is safe to take OxyContin (a brand name for oxycodone) while breastfeeding has become increasingly pertinent. The consensus among healthcare professionals and research indicates that caution is warranted when considering the use of this potent painkiller during lactation.
Potential Risks to Infants
Maternal use of oral opioids, including OxyContin, poses significant risks to breastfeeding infants. Studies have shown that infants can experience drowsiness as a direct result of their mothers taking oxycodone. In some cases, this sedation can escalate to severe central nervous system depression, which is particularly concerning for newborns who are more sensitive to the drug’s effects. The potential for such adverse reactions raises alarms about the safety of using OxyContin while nursing.
Guidelines and Recommendations
Health authorities generally advise against the use of oxycodone for breastfeeding mothers unless absolutely necessary. The National Health Service (NHS) notes that while oxycodone may be prescribed for severe or difficult-to-treat pain, it is not typically recommended for nursing mothers. The product labeling for oxycodone explicitly cautions against its use during breastfeeding, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the risks versus benefits.
Moreover, extended-release formulations like OxyContin are particularly discouraged for nursing mothers. If a mother requires pain management, healthcare providers often recommend non-opioid alternatives, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which are considered safer options during breastfeeding.
Balancing Pain Management and Infant Safety
While the risks associated with oxycodone are clear, the reality of managing severe pain cannot be overlooked. For some mothers, the benefits of breastfeeding and the necessity of treating their pain may outweigh the potential risks. In such cases, it is crucial for mothers to engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to explore all available options and to monitor their infants closely for any signs of sedation or distress.
Conclusion
In summary, the use of OxyContin while breastfeeding is fraught with risks that can affect the health and safety of infants. The prevailing medical advice leans towards avoiding this medication unless absolutely necessary, with a strong recommendation for non-opioid pain relief alternatives. Mothers facing the dilemma of managing pain while breastfeeding should consult their healthcare providers to ensure both their well-being and that of their child are prioritized.

How much oxycodone is excreted in breast milk?

Two published studies have reported concentrations of oxycodone in breast milk. In the first study, published as an abstract, six post-partum women administered 5–10 mg of oxycodone every 4–7 h had maternal plasma concentrations of 14–35 ng/mL with milk concentrations that ranged from < 5 to 226 ng/mL.

Is it safe to take oxycodone while pregnant?

Using oxycodone in pregnancy is not expected to cause problems that would require extra monitoring of your baby during pregnancy. However, women with some of the underlying conditions that oxycodone can be used to treat might be more closely monitored to ensure that their baby is growing and developing as expected.

Is OxyContin safe for breastfeeding?

Although only small amounts of oxycodone pass into breast milk, it may still cause side effects in your baby such as breathing problems, being very sleepy, or difficulty feeding. Because of this potential risk, your doctor may recommend a different painkiller while you’re breastfeeding.

Is OxyContin the same as oxycodone?

Oxycodone is marketed alone as OxyContin® in 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg extended-release tablets and other immediate-release capsules like 5 mg OxyIR®. It is also marketed in combination products with aspirin such as Percodan® or acetaminophen such as Roxicet®.

What is the strongest painkiller I can take while breastfeeding?

Morphine (Oramorph®, Actimorph®) is the strong opioid of choice while breastfeeding. It can be used with caution at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible duration. Oral morphine is frequently given to mothers after a caesarean section. You can use it with caution when breastfeeding.

Can I breastfeed after taking a pain pill?

It’s safe to nurse your baby if you’re taking prescribed opioids for a short period of time, like after surgery. It’s not safe to nurse your baby while you take opioids with other downers like benzodiazepines or alcohol. It’s not safe to nurse your baby while you’re taking opioids that aren’t from a pharmacy.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

Which opioid is safe in breastfeeding?

Recommendation. Morphine is considered to be the strong opioid of choice for the treatment of severe pain in breastfeeding. However, the use of any opioid should be at the lowest effective dose and only short-term. A non-opioid analgesic should be used whenever possible.

How long does oxy stay in breast milk?

Conclusions: Oxycodone is concentrated in human breast milk up to 72-h post-partum. Breastfed infants may receive > 10% of a therapeutic infant dose. However, maternal oxycodone intake up to 72-h post-CS poses only minimal risk to the breast-feeding infant as low volumes of breast milk are ingested during this period.

What can I take for joint pain while breastfeeding?

It is important to consider a pain reliever’s benefits for you and its effect on your baby. Ibuprofen is usually the preferred first step because little of it passes through breastmilk. Acetaminophen also is safe to take while breastfeeding.