AboutDr. Tara Kompare, Pharm.D. Expertise I can answer a broad range of questions related to community pharmacy practice. My particular
interests include childrens` health and safe medication use for seniors. As the mother of two small children, I am quite knowledgable on many parenting issues from how to handle
a baby with colic to how to get kids to take their medicine. With regards to medication use in seniors, I can answer questions about adverse effects, drugs to generally avoid
in that population, and disease management issues.
Experience I entered the world of pharmacy as a technician for approximately six years. I then went on to receive my Doctor of Pharmacy degree and now work for the Federal Government as an outpatient pharmacist.
Publications Drug Topics Feb.2006 edition ("Why a Kiddie Corner Makes Sense"),
I also recently submitted an article to Pharmacy Times entitled "How to Help Parents Cope With Colic" which is scheduled for publication in the near future.
Education/Credentials B.S. Biology (Old Dominion University 1997)
Pharm.D.(Virginia Commonwealth University 2002)
Question Dr. Kompare,
My wife had back surgery several years ago, which led to and perineural fibrosis of a nerve root, and she has degenerative disc disease which causes her great pain. She has been taking oxycontin 40 mg. 2x a day and percocet for breasskthrough pain 2x a day which seems to manage her pain fairly well. We recently discovered we are pregnant, now 7 weeks along. Her 1st OB appointment isn't until July 17, and we are very worried about how these medications will affect her pregnancy, and whether the OB will wanr her to discontinue her medications. She also has a history of high blood pressure,(aldomet 250 2x day) and preclampsia in a prior pregnancy. We have been told by others that they will probably continue her medications, as stress from pain can be harmful also, especially if it raises the blood pressure . Could you please give us any information or advice concerning this? Thank you.....Thurman
Answer Hi Thurman,
First let me extend a big CONGRATULATIONS on your pregnancy! That is wonderful news. Treating chronic, severe pain during pregnancy is a very complex issue as I'm sure you can imagine.
Your wife's history also adds to the complexity. Pain can increase blood pressure so her OB is going to be very careful to keep her as pain free as possible while using the lowest effective dose of pain medication.
Most drugs are rated a pregnancy category C with A representing safe, D not safe, and X contraindicated. There are hardly any drugs in the A category, a few in B, and lots in C. Oxycontin is actually a B although it turns into a D if used for prolonged periods or in high doses at term. Percocet is pretty much the same drug with a shorter duration of action and it also contains tylenol.
The first trimester is usually the most fragile time for baby. This is when he or she is forming all of it's essential parts and organs. So, her OB may want her to use as little pain meds as possible at least until she reaches 12 weeks at which time he or she may give the okay to use more or less depending on her blood pressure. Pre clampsia can be very dangerous so her doctor is going to have to keep a very close eye on it.
I will tell you that I have seem moms on oxycontin deliver perfectly healthy babies. So, I hope your wife finds a great high risk OB to help her determine the benefit versus risk ration concerning her pain meds.
Best of luck to you all!
Regards,
Dr.Tara
Author of THE COLIC CHRONICLES
(www.thecolicchronicles.com)
