I don't know if there is anyone out there who can answer this question. I have an allergy to sulfa drugs - like sulfa based antibiotics. My doc wanted to put me on Avinza - morphine sulfate. Would I be allergic to that?? I am not sure how these work in the body and are they the same type of sulfa. We decided to go with Oxycontin instead, but I am curious in case it does not work I would like some other options.

Mommy

Hey mommy2scl,

I checked the mayoclinics web site, someone had asked about sulfa antibiotics and sulfates. here is their reply "Sulfa isn't the same as sulfate. Sulfa is short for sulfamethoxazole. Some people are allergic to sulfa antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole, which is found in the combination antibiotics Bactrim and Septra. Sulfate, also spelled sulphate, is a chemical term that identifies specific salts containing sulfur. Sulfur is a mineral that's found naturally in animal protein (including meat, poultry, fish and eggs), dried beans and other vegetables. Sulfa antibiotics don't contain sulfates.

For these reasons, people who are allergic to sulfa antibiotics wouldn't be allergic to dietary supplements containing sulfates. The most common allergic reaction to sulfa drugs is a skin rash. There's no reliable test for allergy to sulfa antibiotics. A doctor may make a diagnosis of sulfa allergy based on the signs and symptoms."

Accordingly you should be alright with either MScontin, Avinza or Kadian.

Thanks so much. When my doc mentioned taking the Avinza, I said it was morphine sulfate, and I am allergic to sulfa drugs, would that be alright? He said No, lets try Oxycontin. I guess docs don't always know this stuff either.

Mommy

I to am allergic to Sulfa meds. I was on Morphine Sulfate with no problem.

I too am allergic to sulfa and take ms contin (morphine sulfate). No problems, as was said before sulfa and sulfate are not the same thing.
Good luck to you.
Kelly :)

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