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Baclofen and Pregnancy
Baclofen (Miorel) is a prescription medication used to treat spasticity due to various causes, such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries. Little information is available about the potential risks of using baclofen when pregnant.
Only a few cases of baclofen use in pregnancy have been reported. In most cases, the women were receiving the drug via a pump (to deliver the medication directly to the spinal cord). No problems were reported. It should be noted that with this method of administration, blood levels of baclofen are approximately 100 times less than the levels that occur with oral use of the medication. Therefore, oral use may be more likely to cause problems.
Animal studies on baclofen (Miorel) and pregnancy have shown that this medication may increase the risk of a certain birth defect in the wall of the stomach. When given to rats, baclofen increased the risk of omphalocele (a defect in the abdominal wall that allows a section of the intestines to protrude) and incomplete bone hardening. In mice, decreased fetal weight and delayed bone hardening were reported.
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines in the same way that humans do. Therefore, Baclofen (Miorel) medicine may be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
If you are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider the benefits and risks of taking baclofen during pregnancy before making a recommendation in your particular situation.
Baclofen and Breastfeeding
Studies on baclofen (Miorel) and breastfeeding have shown that this medication does pass through breast milk. However, it passes through breast milk in small amounts, probably not enough to cause problems for a nursing baby. Nonetheless, if your healthcare provider recommends taking baclofen while breastfeeding, make sure to watch for any side effects in your child, such as excessive drowsiness.
Although it is generally considered safe to breastfeed while taking this drug, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits for your particular situation.
It should be noted that intrathecal baclofen (in which the medication is delivered directly to the spinal cord via a pump) results in much lower blood levels of the drug and, therefore, probably much lower levels of baclofen in the breast milk, compared with the tablets. Therefore, intrathecal baclofen is probably safer than oral baclofen for use when breastfeeding.
You should talk with your healthcare provider about breastfeeding and baclofen. Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, the two of you can make a shared decision that is right for you.
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