Is it safe to take Co codamol: Prescribed co... - MPN Voice

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Is it safe to take Co codamol

Grizly profile image
5 Replies

Prescribed co codamol for pain relief at A&E (neck pain long story) When I got home read the data sheet that came with medication. Possible side effects are changes in blood cells such as low number of cells which fight infection and cells which is involved in blood clotting.

My platelets are in the 80s so a bit concerned or me being over cautious not sure if I should take them.

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Grizly profile image
Grizly
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5 Replies
Mazcd profile image
MazcdPartnerMPNVoice

Hi Grizly, your local pharmacist should be able to advise you. I hope you are ok and that your neck pain goes soon. Best wishes, Maz

Grizly profile image
Grizly in reply toMazcd

Thanks for the reply. I have tried to contact my GP practice but lost the will to live after I reached caller number 12. I did eventually manage to contact a pharmacist assistant which I explained my concerns after awhile she came back to me after speaking to the pharmacist to say in the short term it should be ok to take. Which I only intended to do as it can cause constipation but if you had to take Co codamol for longer I wonder if it would be safe?

nivana profile image
nivana in reply toGrizly

I was taking co codamol for osteo arthritis. Had taken it for some weeks, then developed an extremely painful and upset stomach/bowels. Had to come off of it immediately as I felt so ill; stomach has taken some time to heal and my heart rate went up too. I will never use it again for more than 2 to 3 days. A lot of people have told me since that it causes problems if taken for more than a few days.

Barbara140 profile image
Barbara140

Hi, I took several courses of Co-codamol for repeated bouts of sciatica and it worked wonders for me. Mercifully no longer needed. I wasn't aware of any adverse effects on my blood and my haematologist was aware that it had been prescribed. But obviously you need to seek advice for yourself as recommended by Maz.

Best wishes

Barbara

hunter5582 profile image
hunter5582

Acetaminophen would not be expected to affect platelets, but codeine might. It is listed as a rare side effect of the blended meds like co-comadol. webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1629...

Codeine is an opioid and has the risks of any of this class of medications, including constipation, hyperalgesia, addiction, etc. It is widely regarding as relatively safe for short-term use and nowhere near as dangerous as more powerful opioids.

Your situation is unique in that your platelets are so low. You concerns are quite valid and caution is in order. Mazcd is quite correct in recommending consultation with a pharmacist. I would add consulting with a MPN Specialist about your specific situation. The doc who prescribed the co-codamol may not understand the implications of this med for a patient with thrombocytopenia. Many docs really do not understand MPNs. Best to check with a doc who does.

Hope you get out of pain soon and safely.

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