buprenorphine

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Decisions about medication use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be made with your healthcare provider.

Can taking buprenorphine affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?

One study reported a lower chance of getting pregnant among women using buprenorphine, but it is not clear whether participants were trying to avoid pregnancy or if the finding was related to the underlying condition being treated rather than the medication itself. This is something to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Does taking buprenorphine increase the risk of miscarriage?

Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. The limited studies available on buprenorphine use in pregnancy have not found higher rates of miscarriage compared with the general population. Your healthcare provider can discuss your individual situation with you.

Does taking buprenorphine increase the risk of birth defects?

About 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect in the general population. Limited studies specific to buprenorphine have not reported an increased chance of birth defects, though some studies looking at opioids as a broader group have raised questions about possible links to bone or stomach/intestinal defects. Based on current information, any increase in risk from buprenorphine is thought to be small, but this is best discussed with your healthcare provider.

Can taking buprenorphine during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?

Some studies of opioids in pregnancy have found higher chances of preterm delivery, poor fetal growth, and stillbirth, particularly with high doses, long-term use, or misuse. Use of an opioid close to delivery can also lead to neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), with symptoms such as fussiness, poor feeding, and trouble sleeping that typically begin about 2 days after birth. Letting your baby's healthcare team know about opioid exposure helps them monitor and care for your newborn.

Can taking buprenorphine during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?

It is not known whether buprenorphine specifically increases the chance of learning or behavior issues. Some studies of opioids as a group have noted more learning and behavior concerns in children exposed for long periods during pregnancy, but it is difficult to separate the effects of the medication from other factors. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh these uncertainties in your situation.

Is it safe to breastfeed while taking buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine passes into breast milk in small amounts, and the amount a baby is exposed to is expected to be low; experts including the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine encourage breastfeeding while taking buprenorphine. Rarely, babies may have side effects such as drowsiness, breathing problems, or poor weight gain, so watching for increased sleepiness, trouble feeding, trouble breathing, or limpness is important, and any concerns should be reported to the baby's healthcare provider right away. Your own healthcare provider can address your individual breastfeeding questions.

Source: National Library of Medicine