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FDA retains current guidance on pain medicine for pregnant women

The FDA reasserted its stance that pregnant women should continue to consult their health care provider prior to taking any over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, according to an agency safety alert.

“Our recommendations on how pain medicines are used during pregnancy will remain the same at this time,” the agency said in the release.

The FDA evaluated current medical literature and determined that studies are too limited to make any new recommendations at this time. The studies it reviewed were for the following pain medications taken during pregnancy:

• Prescription NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and celecoxib that could cause miscarriages in the first half of pregnancy;
• Prescription opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, morphine and codeine taken during the first trimester that could result in birth defects to the brain, spine and spinal cord;
• Prescription and over-the-counter acetaminophen commonly found in medications used for colds, flu, allergies and sleep related to the risk of attention deficit disorder in children.

The FDA said doctors should discuss the benefits and dangers of pain medication use during pregnancy and continue to follow the recommendations on the labels when prescribing them to pregnant women.