Opioids are often prescribed to women of childbearing age

More than a third of women on Medicaid of reproductive age, and more than a quarter of such women with private insurance, filled a prescription for an opioid pain medication each year from 2008 through 2012, which could put babies at risk for birth defects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Taking opiod medications early in pregnancy can cause birth defects and serious problems for the infant and the mother," CDC Director Tom Frieden, MD, said. "Many women of reproductive age are taking these medicines and may not know they are pregnant and therefore may be unknowingly exposing their unborn child."

Dr. Frieden urged healthcare providers to perform a thorough health assessment before prescribing opiod pain killers to women aged 15 to 44.

"Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss with their healthcare professional the risks and benefits for any medication they are taking or considering," said Coleen Boyle, PhD, director of CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. "This new information underscores the importance of responsible prescribing, especially of opioids, for women of childbearing age."

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Webinars