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Understanding the New Medical Syndrome: The Risks of Fentanyl Exposure in Pregnancy

New study links prenatal fentanyl exposure to birth defects; Sacramento seeks urgent opioid treatment.

October 31, 2023

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic Team

Understanding the New Medical Syndrome: The Risks of Fentanyl Exposure in Pregnancy

California, especially regions like Sacramento, is witnessing an escalating issue surrounding opioids, with fentanyl being a prominent concern. A recent study from Nemours Children's Health has brought to light alarming evidence regarding babies exposed to fentanyl.

Fentanyl in Pregnancy: A Grave Concern

While opioid addiction has long been a serious issue, recent findings suggest that fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, poses unique risks to unborn babies. This research has identified a new medical syndrome in infants exposed to considerable amounts of fentanyl during pregnancy. Symptoms observed include smaller heads, underdeveloped jawbones, cleft palates, and conjoined toes.

Misdiagnoses and the Road to Discovery

These conditions were often previously misdiagnosed as Smith Lemli Opitz syndrome, a genetic disorder. The recent study, which identified cases from various locations, including Sacramento, California, has underlined the need for rigorous opioid treatment and awareness programs.

The Call for Opioid Treatment in Sacramento, California

Given the growing concern surrounding fentanyl and its potential risks to unborn children, there's an urgent need for specialized opioid treatment in Sacramento, California. Pregnant individuals dealing with opioid use disorder are advised to seek appropriate treatment, which doesn't involve quitting cold turkey. Sudden withdrawal can lead to complications like early labor or miscarriage.

Treatment often involves transitioning to opioid-based addiction medications, such as methadone, under medical supervision. This approach is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to ensure the safety of both the mother and the unborn child.

The Path Forward: Awareness and Action

If you or someone you know in Sacramento is struggling with opioid addiction, especially fentanyl, it's crucial to seek medical advice immediately. With the newly identified risks to unborn children, the need for specialized opioid treatment in Sacramento has never been more pressing.

Remember, early intervention can make a significant difference. Reach out to local treatment facilities in California and protect the future of our youngest generation from the devastating effects of fentanyl exposure.

Educational content from Core Medical Clinic. This article does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Initially, an intake assessment and admission medical history and exam is completed by counseling and medical staff. Treatment options are discussed and a course of action taken. Medication recommendations are made and initated to balance safety and benefit as much as possible. It is very important to let counseling, dispensing and medical staff know how the medication is working or not so appropriate adjustments can be made.

At C.O.R.E., we strive to individualize treatment and maximize success. There is no time pressure. Some do well with short term treatment while others benefit from long term treatment. We know relapse is common and can have disasterous results. We work hard to treat each patient as long as is required to achieve long term success.

First we work closely with the individual to achieve a “normalizing’ dose of medication to alleviate withdrawal and craving while minimizing side effects. Working closely with medical, dispensing and counseling staff most often allows us to achieve this goal in the first few days to weeks.

Not necessarily. C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic serves patients in Sacramento, West Sacramento, and surrounding areas. People often choose a clinic based on accessibility, treatment needs, and location.

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic accepts several health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, MHN, Anthem, Medicare, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Optum, Blue Shield of California, Magellan Health, and Western Health Advantage.

As most patients entering treatment know, opioid withdrawal is awful and inevitably leads to continued use. We are sensitive to how terrible the craving, restlessness, anxiety, bone aches, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, sweating, etc. can be. If alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other drugs are involved withdrawal can be medically dangerous and require residential or coordinated medical care. Opioid withdrawal can be greatly reduced or eliminated by the early doses provided but again frequent contact with treatment staff for medication adjustments is very important.

The great majority of patients seeking treatment for opioid addiction can continue their normal life, including work, while they are working to find their ’normalizing’ medication dose. If residential or coordinated medical care is required, some time off may be necessary but again this will be individualized. Clinic hours are designed to accommodate the vast majority of working patients.

We work hard to educate patients about the benefits and safety of MAT. Many myths circulate about MAT such as it causing liver problems, bone problems and being harder to get off than fentanyl or heroin. These are absolutely false and will be discussed in detail with your treatment staff. Patients who receive MAT are much healthier than patients not in treatment. Learning to manage common side effects like constipation and weight gain can make patients healthier than they have ever been. All opioids are hard to get off but MAT can set up a very careful and safe detox when a patient is ready. An abrupt short term detox is not advised and can be difficult but a gradual, medically safe detox minimizes withdrawal symptoms. Supplemental safe, non addicting medications can further reduce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

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