Bsrretts

[kenann]

Is it ok to take codeine

[slobjohnb]

As I have a blood thickening condition I am only allowed to take paracetamol but have found that to be very effective. Sorry I can't speak for codeine.

[Angelamercel in reply to slobjohnb]

Hello I too have Barrett’s and I often take codeine,I find it helps with my coughing at night, but be careful because it can be addictive

[kenann in reply to Angelamercel]

Thanks for your reply. I will watch what my husband takes

[tejags6 in reply to kenann]

strangely enough we had an appointment with a pain doctor yesterday who told us that the reason codeine should be treated with care is that when you take it your liver turns it into morphine. My husband has now been put on butrans patches, together with paracetamol 4 times per day, rather than the co-codamol wich can cause problems with liver and kidneys etc. and constipation - all of which the patches should help to avoid.

[kenann in reply to tejags6]

Thanks for your reply. He always seems to have stomach pain

[tejags6 in reply to kenann]

my hubby can only have liquid paracetamol (or any drug that he has can now only be taken in either liquid form or soluble tablets) maybe talk to your gp about the patches - it has made a big difference to the problems my hubby was having with constipation and the accompanying cramps etc. and he isn't anywhere near as sleepy from the strong meds as he was. for him the patches have definitely made a difference and the gp was happy to prescribe.

[Alan_M]

My instinct would be to ask a pharmacist, just in case there can be an irritating effect.

It is feasible that a liquid form might be more helpful, but this is definitely a technical question that I am equally and definitely unqualified to answer. Have a look at the patient information leaflet that comes with the codeine, and, if in doubt, ask a doctor.

[kenann in reply to Alan_M]

It's the Dr that has prescribed it but I am still unsure

[Alan_M in reply to kenann]

In that case, take the doctor's advice at face value, but return to the surgery if you feel that it is not being beneficial.

This is probably not relevant, but there is some research that suggests that the cancer risk for Barrett' patients is lowered when they take Esomeprazole and a low dose of aspirin. Codeine is not aspirin however.

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

[Tommy12]

Hi, yes i have been prescribed codeine phosphate/paracetamol which i take as needed. It does the job but i would check with your GP.