Jenni asked
I think I know the answer but is it ok to take my old oxycodone if I am pregnant? The dose is 5mg if that matters.
At a glance
- Oxycodone is pregnancy category B (oxycontin is pregnancy category C), meaning animal studies have not shown risk but there isn't enough data in humans. There is evidence that opioid use during pregnancy however can cause dependency.
Answer
There is risk associated with using opioids, like oxycodone, during pregnancy.
Oxycodone is classified in pregnancy category B which means animals studies have not shown harm but to there isn't enough data to in humans to consider it safe for use.
Oxycontin, an extended-release version of oxycodone, is pregnancy category C.
Why Oxycodone Is Dangerous During Pregnancy
Oxycodone crosses the placenta which means that the baby will be exposed to the drug in the womb. If oxycodone or any other opioid is used during pregnancy, the baby may be born with a dependency on opioids, which could cause withdrawal in the newborn.
The baby could also potentially be born with respiratory depression, also known as difficulty breathing.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) warns that opioid use during pregnancy can lead to "birth defects, poor fetal growth, stillbirth, and preterm delivery". Due to the risks associated with using oxycodone during pregnancy, it is recommended you do not take this drug without speaking to your doctor first. It is important to ask your doctor before taking any medications while you are pregnant. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe a pain medication that would be safer for the baby.
Oxycodone is an opioid that is used to treat pain. Common side effects of oxycodone are constipation, drowsiness, nausea, and itching. Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about the overall risk associated with opioids in terms of addiction, abuse, and use during pregnancy.
