oxycodone

This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.

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

Studies have not been done to see if taking oxycodone can make it harder to get pregnant. If you have concerns about fertility while taking this medication, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Does taking oxycodone increase the risk of miscarriage?

Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons, and the fact sheet notes that studies have not been done to see if oxycodone specifically increases the chance of miscarriage. Any concerns about pregnancy loss should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Does taking oxycodone increase the risk of birth defects?

Every pregnancy starts with a background 3–5% chance of a birth defect. Some studies looking at opioids as a general group suggest they might increase the chance of birth defects, but no specific pattern of birth defects from opioids has been identified, and oxycodone specifically has not been well studied in this regard. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh this information for your situation.

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

The fact sheet notes that frequent opioid use during pregnancy has been associated with an increased chance of poor fetal growth, low amniotic fluid, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and C-section, more commonly when opioids are used in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed. Use of an opioid close to delivery can also lead to withdrawal symptoms (neonatal abstinence syndrome) in the newborn. These possibilities are important to discuss with your healthcare provider.

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

Studies have not specifically looked at whether oxycodone causes learning or behavior issues. Some studies on opioids as a general group have reported more learning and behavioral problems in children with long-term prenatal opioid exposure, but it is difficult to know whether this is from the medication itself or other contributing factors. Your healthcare provider can discuss what this might mean for your situation.

Is it safe to breastfeed while taking oxycodone?

The product label recommends that people who are breastfeeding not use oxycodone, but the fact sheet notes that the benefits of breastfeeding and treating your condition may outweigh possible risks. Oxycodone passes into breast milk and has been reported to cause sleepiness, trouble latching, poor feeding, and in some cases breathing problems in nursing infants. Your healthcare provider can help you decide what is best for you and your baby, and any signs such as increased sleepiness, trouble feeding, trouble breathing, or limpness should be reported to your baby's provider right away.

Source: National Library of Medicine