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Is it safe to take Toradol while pregnant?

Understanding the Risks of Taking Toradol During Pregnancy
As many expectant mothers navigate the complexities of managing pain during pregnancy, the question of whether it is safe to take Toradol (ketorolac) arises frequently. Toradol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used for its potent pain-relieving properties. However, its use during pregnancy, particularly after the 20-week mark, is fraught with significant risks.
FDA Warnings and Recommendations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued clear warnings regarding the use of NSAIDs, including Toradol, during pregnancy. Specifically, the FDA advises against the use of NSAIDs after 20 weeks of gestation due to the potential for serious complications. These include risks of fetal kidney problems, which can lead to low amniotic fluid levels, a condition known as oligohydramnios. This can have serious implications for both the mother and the developing fetus, including complications during delivery.
Category D Drug Classification
Toradol is classified as a Category D medication by the FDA, indicating that there is evidence of risk to the fetus based on human data. This classification suggests that Toradol should only be used in life-threatening situations where the benefits outweigh the risks. Healthcare providers typically recommend alternative pain management strategies for pregnant women, as even stronger pain relievers like Percocet may be considered safer options.
Medical Guidance is Crucial
Given the potential risks associated with Toradol, it is imperative for pregnant women to consult their healthcare providers before taking this medication. The decision to use Toradol should only be made if it is deemed absolutely necessary and if the potential benefits justify the risks involved. Healthcare professionals can provide tailored advice based on individual health circumstances and the specific stage of pregnancy.
Conclusion
In summary, while Toradol can be effective for pain relief, its use during pregnancy, especially after 20 weeks, poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus. Expectant mothers should prioritize discussions with their healthcare providers to explore safer alternatives for pain management during this critical time. The health and safety of both mother and child should always come first, and informed medical guidance is essential in navigating these decisions.

Who should avoid Toradol?

TORADOL is contraindicated in patients with previously documented peptic ulcers and/or GI bleeding. Toradol can cause serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including bleeding, ulceration and perforation, of the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, which can be fatal.

What happens if you take 800mg of ibuprofen while pregnant?

Key takeaways: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be safe before the 20th week of pregnancy, but it’s not a first-choice option for pain in pregnancy. Taking ibuprofen after the 20th week of pregnancy is not recommended. It may affect your baby’s kidneys, heart, and lungs if taken during this phase of pregnancy.

Can Toradol be given during pregnancy?

Toradol During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Toradol is generally avoided during pregnancy. Pregnant women may take Toradol only if it is clearly needed and the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Nursing mothers should not take Toradol, because it is excreted in breast milk.

Can you breastfeed with Toradol?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Ketorolac injection is used for a short time (typically 24 hours) after cesarean section in some hospital protocols with no evidence of harm to breastfed infants. However, the ketorolac dose an infant receives in colostrum is very low because of the small volume of colostrum produced.

Is it safe to take tramadol while pregnant?

Tramadol and pregnancy
Tramadol is not usually recommended while you’re pregnant. There is not enough safety information to say whether tramadol can cause problems for your baby. If you take tramadol at the end of pregnancy, there’s a risk that your baby may have become used to having tramadol.

How strong of a painkiller is Toradol?

Toradol is a very strong NSAID that should only be considered for the short-term relief of acute, moderately severe pain that occurs following surgery. Toradol carries a high risk of severe gastrointestinal side effects and can increase bleeding. Treatment with Toradol should not exceed five days.

Why is Toradol no longer on the market?

Concerns over the high incidence of reported side effects with ketorolac trometamol led to its withdrawal (apart from the ophthalmic formulation) in several countries, while in others its permitted dosage and maximum duration of treatment have been reduced.

Is Toradol just ibuprofen?

Toradol is a NSAID that’s similar to OTC treatments such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). But, it’s more powerful and requires a prescription from a healthcare professional.

What is the safest pain killer while pregnant?

Paracetamol is the painkiller of choice for use in pregnancy and its use does not require medical supervision. It is not uncommon for women to have used other types of painkiller early in pregnancy before finding out they are pregnant. In general, this type of use is not expected to harm the baby.

Why was Toradol taken off the market?

Concerns over the high incidence of reported side effects with ketorolac trometamol led to its withdrawal (apart from the ophthalmic formulation) in several countries, while in others its permitted dosage and maximum duration of treatment have been reduced.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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