Codeine in pregnancy?

Question

I am 5 weeks pregnant and not yet seen my GP (first appointment in a few days).
However, i am precribed codeine for migraines and have been for a long time. I have looked up any risks of taking codiene in early pregnancy but have not found any evidence that there are any associated risks but wonder if anyone has any experience or has been precribed this during pregnancy.
I suffer badly from migraines and have tried tons of other medications in the past but to no avail. I am hoping i don't have so many migraines now i am pregnant as they are definately hormonal but if i do have one i want to be safe with my medication.
I understand any medication is not ideal at any stage of pregnancy but has anyone got any experience with codeine based medicine?
Thank you all in advance for your help.

Answer 1

Yes i took dihydracodeine all the way through both my 2 pregnancys due to kidney pain. i wouldnt worry if the docotrs were concerned they would not keep you on them, i took codeine everyday, not sure how often you get migraines, but have you tryed a anti inflama drug for them? hope this helps xxxxxx

Answer 2

Hi, I have suffered from severe endometriosis for 21 years. I was even told by specialists I'd never conceive, 4 children later (!), I'm still taking codeine 30/500 paracetamol for the pain. When I found out I was pregnant last time, I was 11 weeks gone unknown to me, and taking this strength co-codamol 8 times a day. I was terrified I'd done a lot of harm to the baby and stopped immediately only to suffer horrific withdrawal symptoms. My GP and Head Midwife at the Hospital advised me that codeine has no recorded effects on a growing baby and I should try to cut down slowly. I started back on 4 a day, cutting down to 11/2 by 7 months pregnant. The bowel problems caused by codeine dependence were sometimes unbearable but I got through, I had to. My baby was born on her due date, weighing 7lb 4oz and perfectly healthy! I don't suffer much with migraines but I have every sympathy and wish you well..
S.

Answer 3

NO. The risks to the unborn baby are unknown so it's unlikely your doctor will agree to your using them. Other migraine drugs, such as the triptans, fall into the same risk category.
Your best hope, as you suggest, is that your migraines are far fewer during the next 9 months.
Good luck and keep the paracetamol handy.

"Usage in Pregnancy

Safe use in pregnancy has not been established relative to possible adverse effects on fetal development. Therefore codeine should not be used in pregnant women unless, in the judgment of the physician, the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards. "

Answer 4

I had formely spent over 7 years on codeine phosphate but I was always told that it wasnt safe to take whilst pregnant because it is so strong. Having said that I was reading an NCT book the other day and it listed drugs used within pregnancy, and what they were used for. A few drugs down it listed Codeine for use with Migrane sufferers so Im assuming that its ok to take....but I would imagine it would mean to take as little as possible?

Answer 5

No, no, no, no. Even if you can't find find any literature on it, don't try it. Remember that anything you put into your blood stream will go directly into your baby's. Codeine is an opiate, easily metabolised and exhibits, albeit mildly, the same characteristics as heroin as far as withdrawal and action. If you were to take it, imagine that your system were about a ninth of the size you are at this moment and your system is pure or clean and extremely low on outside chemicals. Your baby could very well feel the effects of withdrawal after one dose that you may not even notice.
I would say the best thing is to speak to your doctor about pre-emptive measures for pain relief in pregnancy. Also, stop worrying about things that haven't happened yet. I have had one migraine in my life and had to ask my husband to "chop my head off" because it was so painful. The pain is incredible so that is why I urge you to speak to your GP.
You could be right about not getting them during pregnancy as well.
Go to the doctor and try not to worry.

Answer 6

I am 20 weeks pregnant and at around 15 weeks started getting horrible horrible headaches. My dr. prescribed me Tylenol 3 and said that it is safe as long as it is taken as directed. How much codeine does your medicine have in it. I think Tylenol 3 has about 30 mg or so... and I usually take two when needed. But I would try to go easy on the medication until you see your dr. and he/she can tell you for sure what exactly is safe.

Answer 7

I was perscribed codeine very early in my pregnancy. My Dr. said there was no risk. codeine is one of the most perscribed medications for pain in pregnancy because of the low risk to the fetus. Talk to the Dr. about the dose you're on now and see if he recommends a change. Good luck!

Answer 8

Only on the advice of your doctor. Normal pharmacy procedure you would be asked and advised not to take them. Only paracetamol is safe in pregnancy. Some one asked if you could take anti inflammatory tablets ie ibuprofen the answer to that is no you should not. If your doctor says its OK that's one thing but do not take them on your own volition.

Answer 9

I would talk to your GP. If you have a horrible migrane before then, then you can always call your local emergancy nurses response hotline. They will be able to give you a good answer to this question.

I wouldn't be basing my baby's well-being on "yes it is fine" from people on an open forum...

Answer 10

I belive that codeine is a nono for prego mommies. it has an ingrediant in it that makes it unsafe for your baby. they say the safest pills are ones that contain acetominaphin, such as tylenol. Of course your best bet is to talk to your OB about this problem, he/she should be able to prescribe something for you that helps.