America's pain problem took on an additional dimension in a recent Center for Disease Control study. The LA Times reported yesterday that this study (which you can read more about here) found that taking an opioid pain reliever can lead to a greater risk of certain birth defects. This applies not only to pregnancy, but also slightly before pregnancy. The drugs included in this study include Vicodin (hydrocodone), OxyContin (oxycodone), codeine and Tylenol-3 (which is a Tylenol treatment that includes codeine), among others. A number of congenital heart defects, spina bifida, and glaucoma are among the problems linked to the use of painkillers just before and during the beginning of pregnancy.
This study examined normal, prescribed use of the above prescription drugs. Illicit use is another story. In fact, recent news stories are also uncovering the effect addiction to painkillers is having on pregnancy and young children. NPR reports: