Story perspectives

Expert Warns: Codeine Risks Lethal for Breastfeeding Moms

1/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dr. Gideon Koren, a pediatric medicine expert, warned that codeine is unsafe for breastfeeding mothers.
His research showed some women metabolize codeine into morphine at dangerous levels, including a patient identified as Rani.
Following Tariq's death, The Lancet published findings indicating that codeine could pose a lethal risk to infants, prompting the FDA and other regulators to alter labeling and recommend safer postpartum options such as hydromorphone and oxycodone.

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Story summary

Dr. Gideon Koren, a pediatric medicine expert, warned that codeine is unsafe for breastfeeding mothers.
His research showed some women metabolize codeine into morphine at dangerous levels, including a patient identified as Rani.
Following Tariq's death, The Lancet published findings indicating that codeine could pose a lethal risk to infants, prompting the FDA and other regulators to alter labeling and recommend safer postpartum options such as hydromorphone and oxycodone.