osteoarthritis & codeine

[phoebesmum]

I was first diagnosed with spinal stenosis back in the mists of time when I was just 19. I now have diagnosed OA in my knees, lower spine, shoulders, hands and fingers. I was prescribed Codeine Phosphate. Not long after I was first prescribed, having read the enclosed leaflet, I discovered Codeine can be addictive and was concerned about taking them. My GP (in the days when you could still get face to face appointments), told me not to worry. She felt that as I’d read the leaflet with the tablets and understood the implication of taking, I would be fine.

My advice, based on my own personal experiences is to take any painkillers with caution and your eyes wide open, after reading any enclosed leaflet on their side effects and consequences of taking too many. Tread carefully when taking any medication but particularly those on the opioid scale, even if low down that scale. I hope this helps. x

[random901]

I take dihydracodeine but not excessively, and make a point of having a few days off a week, taking paracetamol instead (barely effective.)