Oramorph Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Morphine must not be used during pregnancy since preclinical studies indicated damages to the offspring (see Contraindications). The use of morphine during labour is not recommended due to the risk of respiratory depression in the newborn infant.
Newborns whose mothers received opioid analgesics during pregnancy should be monitored for signs of neonatal withdrawal (abstinence) syndrome. Treatment may include an opioid and supportive care.
Lactation: The maternal use during lactation is not recommended since morphine is excreted in the breast milk. Withdrawal symptoms can be observed in newborn infants if mothers are exposed to a chronic treatment. Therefore, weaning is necessary prior to the administration of Oramorph (see Contraindications).
Fertility: Animal studies have shown that morphine may reduce fertility (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).
Due to its mutagenic properties, morphine should be given to males with procreative potential and to females with childbearing potential only if effective contraceptive measures are guaranteed.