Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while using buprenorphine

Buprenorphine may occasionally be used for pain that is severe or difficult to treat during pregnancy.

If you take buprenorphine towards the end of pregnancy your baby might have withdrawal symptoms, such as drowsiness, after they're born. Your baby may need extra time in hospital for observation.

It's important to treat pain in pregnancy. For some pregnant women with pain that's difficult to treat, buprenorphine might be the best option. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide what's right for you and your baby.

You can use buprenorphine if you're breastfeeding.

Only very small amounts of buprenorphine pass into breast milk, but there's still a small risk that it may cause side effects in your baby. Your doctor may recommend different painkillers first.

If you do take buprenorphine while breastfeeding, it's best to take it in low doses and only for a short time. This reduces the risk of your baby getting side effects.

It's also important not to stop breastfeeding suddenly so your baby does not get withdrawal symptoms.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife as soon as possible if you have any concerns about your baby, including if you notice your baby:

• is not feeding as well as usual
• has constipation
• seems unusually pale

• your baby is unusually sleepy
• your baby has breathing problems

However, these effects are very rare.

If you need to go to A&E, take the buprenorphine packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.

There's no evidence that buprenorphine affects fertility in either men or women.

Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant. They may want to review your treatment.

Tell your doctor if you're:

• trying to get pregnant
• pregnant
• breastfeeding