Allergic to codeine & its related drugs - any advice? - Pain Management Message Board

jencat · 03-24-2005, 06:08 AM

I am allergic to codeine, including hydrocodone, also allergic to morphine. Currently using Lipoderm patches (very ineffective) and lots of darvocet, but the darvocet is working less & less, also take tramadol for FMS, but that doesn't do much. Are their any alternative drugs I could discuss w/my PM dr? I have FMS, and a badly herniated C7, with bulging C5&6 (surgery not an option for this), severe osteoarthritis (only arthritis drug I can take is Ibuprofin due to asthmatic reactions to other NSAIDS), and badly damaged legs with neuropathy (take neurontin for seizures, which is supposed to help some with this). Any suggestions appreciated. My PM doc is conservative, but if I take a suggestion to him, I think he would consider it. I've had the cortisone injections in my spinal column - these were worse than nothing, I was unable to move for days & days afterward & they made the pain worse.

Thanks for listening.
Jen

SheSparkles · 03-24-2005, 06:27 AM

Hi Jen,
Well, I am gonna sing my old refrain...why not ask about the fentanyl patch? I get hives with codeine, hydrocodone and morphine but do not with fentanyl. Has this drug come up with yr Dr. in conversations? I feel it's nothing short of amazing pain relief. I am 53 and have gone round and round with meds...have been on the patch for 3 yrs and won't go off till I am forced.
Sparkles

jencat · 03-24-2005, 01:34 PM

Thanks so much - this may be the option I've been looking for. Will discuss w/my PM doc next visit. My reaction to codeine/hydrocodone/morphine is rather severe - asthma, then complete respiratory failure, but I'm willing to try anything at this point. Hopefully my doc will agree, but will probably want to try in a controled environment like his office 1st.

Wow - I'm really glad I finally asked this question! I'll post a reply after my next visit to let you know how it works out.
Jen

SheSparkles · 03-24-2005, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jencat

Thanks so much - this may be the option I've been looking for. Will discuss w/my PM doc next visit. My reaction to codeine/hydrocodone/morphine is rather severe - asthma, then complete respiratory failure, but I'm willing to try anything at this point. Hopefully my doc will agree, but will probably want to try in a controled environment like his office 1st.<

SS said:
If you have severe reactions to some narcotics, and it sure sounds like you do, I am sure yr Dr. can figure out a way to "test drive" fentanyl in yr system before turning you loose. During use fentanyl gets on ones skin, of course and I have never had a reaction to the fentanyl...however I and many others do get somewhat itchy from the patch delivery system itself. I just use a steroid spray and things seem to get better.

Jen said:
>Wow - I'm really glad I finally asked this question! I'll post a reply after my next visit to let you know how it works out.
Jen

<

You are cute, Jen. I am glad you asked it too. I am sure you are not the only person with a need to know about this issue. And yes, do let us know what happens at your next visit.
SS

darkmantis · 03-27-2005, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SheSparkles

Hi Jen,
Well, I am gonna sing my old refrain...why not ask about the fentanyl patch? I get hives with codeine, hydrocodone and morphine but do not with fentanyl. Has this drug come up with yr Dr. in conversations? I feel it's nothing short of amazing pain relief. I am 53 and have gone round and round with meds...have been on the patch for 3 yrs and won't go off till I am forced.
Sparkles

Thats a huge step up from Darvocet..