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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Taking Demerol Advisable For Knee Pain During Pregnancy?

I have migraine. I had a root canal done and had to endure pain. I also broke my knee and was given Demerol in the hospital. All narcotics give me a rebound headache. Now I am pregnant and scare to death of having no pain md. I have a high tolerance for pain but to find something other than Demerol. Dr. does not to prescribe that drug unless you had surgery. I am not a junkie. Just need to know of something that I can take. Doctors and pain management do not know. Thus far, I can only take Demerol.
Mon, 25 Apr 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I understand your concern.
Demerol is composed of 'meperidine' is an opioid (narcotic) pain medication. It is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain.
Meperidine has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Meperidine and and its metabolite normeperidine cross the placenta very rapidly and may cause respiratory depression and lower psycho-physiologic test scores in newborns. Infants of chronic users may experience withdrawal. Meperidine is also excreted into human milk and can cause respiratory problems in newborn infants.
Hence, it would advisable to avoid the medication during pregnancy and lactation. It may be used based on the judgment of the physician if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks.
Hope the information provided would be helpful.
All the best.
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Is Taking Demerol Advisable For Knee Pain During Pregnancy?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. I understand your concern. Demerol is composed of meperidine is an opioid (narcotic) pain medication. It is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. Meperidine has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Meperidine and and its metabolite normeperidine cross the placenta very rapidly and may cause respiratory depression and lower psycho-physiologic test scores in newborns. Infants of chronic users may experience withdrawal. Meperidine is also excreted into human milk and can cause respiratory problems in newborn infants. Hence, it would advisable to avoid the medication during pregnancy and lactation. It may be used based on the judgment of the physician if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks. Hope the information provided would be helpful. All the best.