fentanyl
Fentanyl is used to treat breakthrough pain (sudden episodes of pain that occur despite round the clock treatment with pain medication) in cancer patients at least 18 years of age (or at least 16 years of age if using Actiq® brand lozenges) who are taking regularly scheduled doses of another narcotic (opiate) pain medication, and who are tolerant (used to the effects of the medication) to narcotic pain medications. Fentanyl is in a class of medications called narcotic (opiate) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Fentanyl should be used along with your other pain medication(s). Do not stop taking your other pain medication(s) when you begin your treatment with fentanyl. If you stop taking your other pain medication(s) you will need to stop using fentanyl.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking fentanyl affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
According to the fact sheet, studies have not been done to see if taking fentanyl can make it harder to get pregnant. If you have questions about fentanyl and fertility, it's best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking fentanyl increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. The fact sheet notes that studies have not been done to see if fentanyl increases the chance for miscarriage, and it can be difficult to know whether a medication, an underlying medical condition, or other factors such as a surgical procedure may be involved. This is a topic to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Does taking fentanyl increase the risk of birth defects?
The majority of studies have not found that fentanyl would significantly increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk of about 3 out of 100 births. One small case series of 10 infants born to people with fentanyl use disorder described similar features (such as microcephaly, certain facial features, cleft palate, and foot abnormalities), but limitations of that report—including unknown dosing, timing, possible contamination, and other drug exposures—mean a firm link to fentanyl cannot be made. Some studies of opioids as a group suggest any increased chance for birth defects is likely small, and your healthcare provider can discuss what this means for your situation.
Can taking fentanyl during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
It is not known specifically if fentanyl causes problems like preterm delivery or low birth weight, but studies of opioids more broadly have reported an increased chance of poor fetal growth, low amniotic fluid, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and C-section—particularly with heroin use or with prescription opioids taken in higher amounts or for longer than recommended. Temporary breathing or heart rate problems have also been reported in some newborns following fentanyl used for pain at delivery, and longer exposure during pregnancy might result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Your healthcare provider can review your individual situation and monitoring options.
Can taking fentanyl during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The fact sheet states that short-term use of fentanyl during surgery or for pain after surgery during pregnancy is not expected to cause learning or behavior problems for the child. It is not known if longer use of fentanyl in pregnancy increases this chance; some studies on opioids as a group have found more learning and behavior problems with long-term exposure, but it is hard to tell if this is due to the medication or other factors. These questions are worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking fentanyl?
The fact sheet explains that fentanyl can pass into breast milk and that babies might have problems with the amounts present. Some opioids can make babies very sleepy, cause trouble latching, or cause breathing problems, so caregivers are encouraged to watch for increased sleepiness, trouble feeding, trouble breathing, or limpness and contact the baby's healthcare provider right away if these occur. Product labels may recommend against use while breastfeeding, but the benefits of treating your condition and breastfeeding may outweigh possible risks—your healthcare provider can help you weigh what is best for your specific situation.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
fentanyl