Story perspectives

Codeine Risks Lead to New Postpartum Pain Relief Guidelines

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dr. Gideon Koren, a pediatrician, warned that codeine can metabolize to morphine in breastfeeding mothers, risking infant harm, after findings published in The Lancet.
Koren's study indicates up to 40% of breastfeeding mothers in North America may be at risk, with ethnic differences in genetic predispositions.
In response, the U.S. FDA and other health regulators updated guidelines, shifting postpartum pain relief away from codeine toward hydromorphone and oxycodone.

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Story summary

Dr. Gideon Koren, a pediatrician, warned that codeine can metabolize to morphine in breastfeeding mothers, risking infant harm, after findings published in The Lancet.
Koren's study indicates up to 40% of breastfeeding mothers in North America may be at risk, with ethnic differences in genetic predispositions.
In response, the U.S. FDA and other health regulators updated guidelines, shifting postpartum pain relief away from codeine toward hydromorphone and oxycodone.