Is Percocet OK while breastfeeding?

Understanding Percocet and Breastfeeding
The question of whether it is safe to take Percocet while breastfeeding is a complex one, involving considerations of both maternal health and infant safety. Percocet, a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, is often prescribed for pain relief. However, its use during breastfeeding raises important concerns.
Risks Associated with Percocet
Research indicates that while oxycodone can be present in breast milk, the levels are generally low. However, the potential for accumulation in the infant’s system exists, especially if the mother takes the medication over an extended period. Experts recommend that if a breastfeeding mother requires oxycodone, it should ideally be limited to a short duration—typically no more than 2 to 3 days—to minimize any risks to the infant .
Moreover, the general consensus among healthcare professionals is that breastfeeding mothers should avoid Percocet if possible. The risks associated with opioid medications, including potential respiratory depression in infants and the risk of addiction, are significant concerns.
Alternatives for Pain Management
For new mothers experiencing pain, there are safer alternatives to Percocet. Non-opioid medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) are often recommended as first-line treatments. These medications are generally considered safe during breastfeeding and can effectively manage pain without the risks associated with narcotics.
When Percocet May Be Necessary
In certain situations, such as severe pain that cannot be managed with non-narcotic analgesics, healthcare providers may prescribe Percocet. In these cases, the benefits of treating the mother’s pain must be weighed against the potential risks to the breastfeeding infant. The decision should involve a thorough discussion between the mother and her healthcare provider, considering the specific circumstances and health needs of both mother and child.
Conclusion
In summary, while Percocet can be used by breastfeeding mothers under specific circumstances, it is generally advised to limit its use and explore safer alternatives first. The priority should always be the health and safety of the infant, alongside the mother’s need for effective pain management. If Percocet is deemed necessary, it should be taken for the shortest duration possible, with close monitoring for any adverse effects on the breastfeeding infant.

What is the safest opioid while breastfeeding?

Morphine is the strong opioid analgesic of choice for treating pain in breastfeeding. Recommendations apply to full term and healthy infants only.

Can you take a percocet while pregnant?

If you take opioids during pregnancy, your baby can be exposed to them in the womb and have symptoms of withdrawal after birth. In newborns, this is called neonatal abstinence syndrome or NAS. Even if you use an opioid exactly like your provider says to, it still may cause NAS in your baby.

How long do opioids stay in breastmilk?

Tramadol (Ultram) can stay in breast milk for longer than 10 hours. Fentanyl (Duragesic) stays in breast milk for an unclear amount of time. Methadone (Methadose) likely stays in breastmilk for up to 50 hours, based on its half-life in breastmilk of 8 to 10 hours.

How long is oxycodone in breastmilk?

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.

How soon after narcotics can you breastfeed?

A breastfeeding plan
If you do use drugs such as amphetamines or heroin as a one-off, you will need to express your breast milk in the 24 hours afterwards and throw it away before you breastfeed again. After using drugs, it is not safe for you to care for or breastfeed your baby.

Is percocet safe during pregnancy?

Taking opioids during pregnancy can cause serious problems for your baby. If you’re pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant and taking an opioid, tell your health care provider. You may be able to change to a medicine that’s safer for your baby.

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.

Can I take percocet and breastfeed?

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.

How long does percocet stay in your breast milk?

How Long Will Percocet Stay in Breastmilk? Oxycodone, the opioid component in Percocet, can stay present in breast milk for 2–3 days. Researchers estimate that approximately 8% of oxycodone transfers from the mother’s body into the milk. This may be enough to cause adverse reactions in infants.

What pain pills can I take while breastfeeding?

What medications are safe to take while breastfeeding?

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, others) — short-term use only.