I’ve been taking codeine for over 11 years due to chronic back pain, and I’m really concerned about the potential long-term effects. Initially, my GP prescribed me Co-codamol (30/500mg), which I took for about 4 years at a dosage of 2 tablets a day. However, after learning that chronic use of paracetamol (one of the ingredients in Co-codamol) could damage the liver, I spoke to my GP about my concerns. He agreed to switch me to pure codeine (30mg), which I’ve been taking for the past 7 years, up to 4 times a day as needed.
Typically, I take codeine once or twice a day, depending on the pain level. At first, constipation was a significant issue, so I’d stop taking codeine for a day or two to allow my body to adjust. This routine worked for a while, and over time, my constipation became more manageable even with regular use.
Now, my main concern is the potential impact on my kidneys. I’ve read that long-term use of codeine can lead to kidney damage, and I’d like to hear from others who may have been taking codeine for as long as—or longer than—I have. Have you experienced any kidney-related issues or other consequences from chronic codeine use?
For context, addiction hasn’t been a problem for me. I can go days without taking codeine, though I do notice that I tend to be in a bad mood during those times.
Any insights or experiences you could share would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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BonVivant
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hi bonvivant, sorry to hear you have chronic back pain. I have chronic back and neck pain and migraines. I no longer take Tylenol which is same as paracetamol. I have taken so much for decades of weekly migraines that it showed up in liver panel. I stopped but I still take butalbital, which is pain prescription with small amount of paracetamol,barbiturate and caffeine. If I stop I would have to do it slowly and with excruciating headaches. I have done that it past. There’s always a trade off for taking long term meds. But I have long term pain. Arthritis in my neck and spine. I take tramadol, another pill that has long term affects on liver. In my thirties and forties I was raising my kids and I couldn’t function without meds because of the constant migraines. I made a choice quality of life raising my girls without worrying about future health. I only took the prescribed dose. I take no other meds containing Tylenol. I am older now and thankful that I had that medication for migraines. But I still take it for arthritis pain and pinched nerves. As well tramadol and muscle relaxers. I’m hesitant to start opioids but arthritis isn’t going away. We do what we have to in order to live with pain. I can’t answer your question but only share my experiences. All pain meds have negative long term effects even over the counter ones. Hopefully you’ll have less pain tomorrow. ✌🏻
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience—it really means a lot to me. I’m sorry to hear about your chronic pain and migraines; it sounds like you’ve had a very challenging journey managing them, especially while raising kids. It’s clear that you’ve made thoughtful and courageous decisions to prioritize your quality of life, and I truly admire that.
You’re absolutely right—there’s always a trade-off when it comes to long-term medication use. Like you, I’ve stuck to the prescribed dose and tried to weigh the benefits against potential risks. It’s reassuring to hear from someone who has been in a similar situation and has navigated it with care. I imagine giving up Tylenol after decades wasn’t easy, especially with the withdrawal headaches you mentioned. That must have taken a lot of strength.
I completely relate to your hesitation about starting stronger medications like opioids. Chronic pain forces us to make tough choices, and while we know there are risks, sometimes it’s the only way to maintain a functioning and fulfilling life. It sounds like you’ve done an amazing job managing a balance, even with arthritis and pinched nerves now adding to the mix.
I appreciate your perspective on how all pain meds, even over-the-counter ones, come with long-term effects. It’s a sobering reminder that we’re all doing the best we can with the options we have.
Thanks again for your kind words and for sharing your story. It helps to feel less alone in this. I hope your pain eases too, and I’m wishing you strength and comfort in managing it.
I have spinal problems, inflammation, bulging discs and compressed nerves. I use Butrans patches which have increased over time. I'm now on the highest I can tolerate 20ugs/ hr. I had surgery last year for spinal issues but it has returned since I had a hip replacement in March. I'm waiting for a review by the spinal surgeon and also pain clinic . I still have a great deal of pain but my Gp is at a loss as to what else to do, hence pain clinic referral. As others have said I have 3 monthly blood tests to check everything is ok and no damage is being done. I do have other illnesses so they also need doing for that. I hate taking opiods as they make you feel not quite yourself and never totally with it but you need pain relief to at least have some quality of life.
I have been taking codeine for 7 years now, for back and hip pain and helping with diarrhoea from other medications I take. I take paracetamol during the day, but only codeine at night. I have 3 monthly blood tests which would show any damage to liver or kidneys. So perhaps for peace of mind you should get yours checked.
Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s comforting to hear from someone who has been taking codeine long-term and has a routine to monitor their health. I think your approach of combining paracetamol during the day with codeine at night makes a lot of sense, especially if it helps manage pain and other symptoms like diarrhoea.
Your suggestion to get regular blood tests for peace of mind is a great idea. I’ll definitely discuss this with my GP during my next appointment. Knowing that you’ve been able to safely manage your medications with regular monitoring is really reassuring.
I hope your pain is manageable and that your current routine continues to work well for you. Thank you again for your advice—it’s much appreciated!
I have multiple illnesses, so fortunately the hospital and gp like to check my bloods 3 monthly and that includes liver and kidneys as some of my other medication can cause problems with liver and kidneys. I think if you are taking paracetamol and codeine regularly for a long time I cannot see why the gp wouldn't check your bloods.Hope you get peace of mind soon.
My meds history has been the same as yours, ref swapping to pure codeine for about the same time & not over medicating. Which I no longer take but over the years I’ve been given different meds, so it’s hard to pin point what effects what. I have c5,c6,c7 spine damage on my nerves & neuropathic pain syndrome (fibromyalgia same thing). So I’m on meds for that.
They’ve now notice problems with my kidneys, though standard blood test came back as ok. At last a doctor took me serious & I had extensive bloods. He’s now looking into my kidneys & booked a scan as my bloods flagged them up.
Now symptoms are swollen hands, feet, tummy(water retention) & feeling like spongy. However, I’ve had swollen hands for years, which drs ignored.
I think if you’re on any medication for long periods as suzie said, get your bloods done regularly. My new dr was shocked I’d not had more in depth bloods done. Demand it, if fobbed off, as others have said it will give you peace of mind. Any meds taken long term I believe affect something as are organs work hard to clear out nastiest. We’re also individuals with different life styles & holistic approaches.
Thank you for sharing your story—it’s both eye-opening and encouraging to hear your perspective. I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with such complex health issues, especially with spine damage and neuropathic pain. It’s frustrating that your concerns about symptoms like swollen hands were ignored for so long, but I’m glad you finally found a doctor who’s taking your health seriously and investigating things more thoroughly.
Your advice about demanding more in-depth blood tests really resonates with me. It’s concerning that standard blood tests didn’t pick up on potential kidney issues for you, and it highlights how important it is to advocate for ourselves when it comes to long-term medication use. I’ll definitely push for a more comprehensive check-up with my GP to ensure nothing is being overlooked.
You’re absolutely right that everyone’s body reacts differently to medications, and we all need to find the balance that works best for us. Thank you for sharing your experience and advice—it’s incredibly helpful and reminds me how important it is to stay proactive about my health.
I hope the upcoming scan provides some clarity and that you’re able to manage your symptoms with the right support and care. Wishing you all the best on your journey, and thank you again for taking the time to respond.
What I’ve also learnt over years is to mix western & eastern approaches. Some say it’s a bit ‘whoo whoo’. Each organ hold emotions, so for example kidneys are tided with fear & I have an anxiety disorder (makes you wonder). I use to be very angery, I had acupuncture once & the liver needle flew out 🤣. Process food also causes many problem.
A great Dr said to me ‘Toni, you got to dig deep. Waiting list are long, it would be cruel to tell you different’. I’m in a good places now, once I accept, then I can learn. I’m now trying to get to the root of my illness. All meds have side effects, but to have any quality of life some are needed. However, holistic approach has helped me so much.
A great book to read is ‘the body hold the score’.
I sincerely wish you the best, & send you love & light 🥰
i have been taking two co-codamol tablets every days for about 9 years after weaning myself off variously morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl. I have never had problems except constipation. I take one extra paracetamol per day inbetween doses. Nothing has shown on blood tests to suggest liver or kidney damage. The cocodamol allows me to live an active life with enough exercise to help my COPD
No intention of stopping as I feel it would add to my health issues not help them
I felt my chronic pain became worse when I was on co codemal and I can't take straight codeine so I spoke to paint management (uk) and have been put on nerve meds for nerve damage with thai chi and this has helped alot. I also got constipated with stomache pain on co codemal which didn't help my groin pain. It's taken me 4 + years to get to less flare ups and the pain more manageable
hi bonvivant, i cant add too much , just to say i too have been on codeine -60mg 4 times a day usually. for about the same period of time. i take it for chronic diarrhoea and abdo pain following a cholycystectomy. i tried everything , but nothing else works, made my life miserable.
finding codeine was a god send. i still get nervous going out, especially if im running low on stock. i also get a bit irritable if i dont take for a day or two, i accept i am well addicted. but its worth it not to have the awful problems i was having before.
i also suffer from chronic sciatica , last 2/3 years and it does help a bit with that alongside other analgesia including gaba, paracetamol brufen or naproxen.
i work in a care home and all my lovely peeps worry about getting addicted. i always say ,if you need them and nothing else works, then dont worry. i can see how easy it is to slide into more and more medication as your body gets used to the level of pain control.
i wish you all the best and hope you get the support and advice you need .s x
I’m in the USA and have taken hydrocodone 10/350 for 22 years as needed for pain. I do not take every day. I have not had any problems but am open to the possibility I could have and don’t know..yet. I have regular blood work done
I've been on opiate pain control for thirty years.
Last decade has been morphine... Two different types. One is slow release, the other quicker release.
I have regular blood tests for various reasons, and not once has any come back with an issue of lover or kidney. On fact they always tell me, that the scores for those is perfect.
I would worry too much so long ... You have a healthy diet, and drink plenty (obviously that's not booze) of liquid.
Now for twenty years or so, I always eat before pills.
I take 10 on the morning, and 10 again for evening. Plus morphine as needed.
As intake my meds, eating a couple cookies, piece of toast, cake, some fruit, etc
Do this a couple mins before taking your meds, and this has 2 jobs
It helps soften the blow of the meds on your system.
It helps speed up digestion and absorption of the meds.
Just get a starvation blood test, and they can see (you don't eat, and you drink only clear liquid) for a few hours before your blood test.
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