Expert: Serenity Nye - 4/19/2004

Question
I recently gave birth and was given a prescription for Motrin and Percocet to manage the pain after birth (both in the hospital and after).  The staff assured me that the medicines would not cross into the breast milk, but everything I've read on the internet cannot confirm this.  What do you think?

Thanks...GH

Answer
Hi Georgette,
I'm in the UK, so do not know these brands.
Please check the boxes for the active ingredients.
If the Motrin you have contains only Ibuprofen, it is fine for breastfeeding.
I believe Percocet contains Acetaminophen Oxycodone hydrochloride  which is a narcotic, and I would NOT recommend it during breastfeeding.

However, you should contact a lactation consultant who can look at the medicines and look up their toxicity in a book called "Hales".
Serenity