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Prescription Drug Exposure

What Are Opioids?

Examples of prescriptions opioids are morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.

An infant exposed to prescription opioid is at greater risk for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and symptoms such as:

  • Hypoxia

  • Low Apgar scores

  • Meconium aspiration syndrome

  • Decreased or low birth weight, head circumference, and length

  • Congenital infections

  • SIDS

  • Microcephaly

     

Due to the risk of fetal harm from quitting opioids a healthcare provider should first be consulted. The current course of care for pregnant women who are opioid dependent is referral to alternative medication assisted treatment such as methadone or buprenorphine. The effects on the exposed infant with use of medication-assisted treatments have not been fully studied. Often times tapered doses of opioids throughout the pregnancy puts the woman at greater risk for relapse and abrupt discontinuation cause fetal distress, preterm labor, or fetal demise.  

NAS Flyers for Providers and Patients/Clients

  • Flyer Spanish

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  • Flyer English

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  • Provider Guidance

Prevalence: A Look At The Data

  • An estimated 4.4% of pregnant women reported illicit drug use in the past 30 days (National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2010)

  • Arizona currently ranks 6th highest in the nation for individuals misusing and abusing prescription drugs (National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2012)

  • 3 out of 4 Arizona youth who have misused prescription drugs in the past 30 days report getting them from friends, family or right out of home (Arizona Youth Survey, 2014)

 

CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain — United States, 2016

 

Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program (CSPMP) in Arizona

CSPMP is a program developed to promote the public health and welfare by detecting diversion, abuse, and misuse of prescription medications classified as controlled substances under the Arizona Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Every physician who possesses a DEA registration is required to also possess a CSPMP registration issued by the Arizona Board of Pharmacy.

Physicians can sign up through Arizona’s Board of Pharmacy www.pharmacypmp.az.gov

 

Financial Impact: What does caring for a child who's been drug exposure cost?

Hospitalizations and emergency department visits for poisonings (Rx drugs are a leading cause) cost Arizona nearly a half a million dollars per day in 2012 (Arizona Department of Health Services, Vital Statistics)

 

How to Safely Dispose of Medications

DO NOT throw drugs in the trash, down the toilet or sink as this can pollute the water

Check if your pharmacy has a prescription drug Take-Back events

Check if your community has a prescription drug box

Ask your local police department or sheriff’s office

Check online!

  • Arizona Criminal Justice Commission AZCJC.gov has a list of permanent prescription drug boxes

  • www.FDA.gov/forconsumers can show you how to safely dispose of medications

 

 

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