FDA restricts codeine and tramadol use for children, advises pregnant women not to use

The FDA issued a safety communication restricting the use of codeine and tramadol medicines for children.

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Here’s what you should know.

1. The FDA said the medicines could hamper breathing and potentially kill users.

2. The medicines risks are elevated in children under 12-years-old. The FDA advises parents and providers not to use those medicines in children.

3. Single ingredient codeine and tramadol-containing products are for adults only.

4. The FDA recommends breastfeeding mothers avoid medicines with codeine or tramadol.

5. The FDA is changing the labels for the respective medicines, affixing its strongest warnings to the drug containers.

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