Can You Take Percocet While Breastfeeding?

 Krystal Duhaney Profile Photo
By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Percocet While Breastfeeding?

While technically you can take Percocet while breastfeeding, it’s highly recommended to avoid it if possible, especially if you're new to opioids. Percocet, which contains oxycodone, does transfer into breast milk and can potentially cause issues like sedation in your baby 1 . Some studies found oxycodone in breast milk up to 37 hours after taking the medication.

Here's the important bit: using doses over 30mg/day is generally discouraged in new-to-opioids breastfeeding moms. Higher doses could be considered in those who regularly took opioids during pregnancy, but it's really not the first choice.

So when it comes to Percocet and breastfeeding, the best advice is to consider other, safer alternatives for pain relief if available. Chat with your healthcare provider about the best course of action for you. 

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. National Library of Medicine"Oxycodone"Apr 15, 2023https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501245/.


Share via
Updated on Dec 3, 2023

Related Articles


Get the Newsletter

Evidence-based health and wellness resources for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum.

Share via

Can You Take Percocet While Breastfeeding?

 Krystal Duhaney Profile Photo
By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Percocet While Breastfeeding?

While technically you can take Percocet while breastfeeding, it’s highly recommended to avoid it if possible, especially if you're new to opioids. Percocet, which contains oxycodone, does transfer into breast milk and can potentially cause issues like sedation in your baby 1 . Some studies found oxycodone in breast milk up to 37 hours after taking the medication.

Here's the important bit: using doses over 30mg/day is generally discouraged in new-to-opioids breastfeeding moms. Higher doses could be considered in those who regularly took opioids during pregnancy, but it's really not the first choice.

So when it comes to Percocet and breastfeeding, the best advice is to consider other, safer alternatives for pain relief if available. Chat with your healthcare provider about the best course of action for you. 

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. National Library of Medicine"Oxycodone"Apr 15, 2023https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501245/.


Share via