Prescription Drugs and pregnancy

Posted by Denise Brown on May 18, 1999 at 16:17:46
I have been on the medication Roxanol supposotories 30 mg for about a year now, this medication was given to me due to an injury.  I have tried to not take them but the pain gets real bad and I suffer withdrawl (withdrawal) symptoms as well.  I just found out that I was 5 months pregnant!!!!  How could this be you say, well I was always overweight and my period was sporadic so it was no surprise to me when I did not get my period for a few months.  I am pregnant and Im very worried that this drug may injur my unborn child.  I have been taking this everyday  for about a year now. 30 mg.. roxanol supposotories. Will this harm my baby?     THANKS,                 Denise  Brown    

Posted by SA, M.D. - HVMA on May 23, 1999 at 07:15:20
Dear Denise,
Roxanol is a form of morphine.  Babies born to mothers who take narcotics regularly can go into opiate withdrawal.  You need to consult your obstetrician immediately, and your obstetrician may need to consult with an addiction expert and a neonatologist.  This is a potentially serious situation, but in all likelihood it can be successfully managed if you get the appropriate medical attention.
DrSteve ( http://www.drsteve.org )
Keywords:  Neonatal addiction, narcotic, opioid, morphine