Safety of Percocet in Pregnancy

Percocet is a powerful pain reliever that contains both acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) and oxycodone hydrochloride (a morphine-like narcotic). It may be habit forming and works by depressing your central nervous system. Tell your doctor if you are, or are planning to become, pregnant before taking this medication.

FDA Classification

• Percocet is classified by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a pregnancy category C substance. This means that either animal studies have demonstrated an adverse effect or no animal studies have been conducted.

Significance

• A category C drug does not have sufficient clinical evidence to determine safety in pregnant women. According to Drugs.com, the medical community is unsure of the effect that Percocet will have on an unborn baby.

Potential Risks to Your Baby

• According to Drugs.com, Percocet use by pregnant women could potentially cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms in a newborn baby. It could also lead to breathing problems in a newborn.

Potential Risk While Nursing

• It is possible that oxycodone could pass into your breast milk, possibly causing harm to your baby.

Considerations

• The safety of your baby is in your hands. Talk to your doctor before using any medication. Together you can determine the potential risk and whether the benefit to you may outweigh the risk to your baby.