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# FDA Cautions on Pain Management Pump Use
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/fda-cautions-on-pain-management-pump-use/
- Published: 2018-11-14T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T00:44:38.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Devices, #legacy-id-D5142817

FDA says it has received numerous Medical Device Reports on adverse events with implanted pumps that may be used for intrathecal administration of pain medicines not approved by the agency for use with the specific implanted pump. An agency [safety communication](https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm625789.htm?ref=fdaweb.com) says that while some individual patients may experience relief from using pain medicines not approved for intrathecal administration in their implanted pumps, such use may create additional risks including dosing errors, pump failures, and other safety concerns.

The FDA-approved implanted pump labeling identifies which pain medicines are approved for use with each pump, the communication says. “Pain medicines approved by FDA for delivery into the spinal fluid must meet additional safety standards because the spinal cord and brain tissue are highly sensitive to preservatives or infectious organisms such as bacteria or viruses,” it says.

The document contains recommendations for healthcare professionals to consider when considering a medicine for use in an implanted pump.