... which is "Oxycodone and Acetomenophin" as you know. Is Oxycodone the same as Codeine? Or Is it different and safe to use?
I am allergic to Codeine yet my doctors gave me a prescription for Percocet for some surgical pain?
Question posted by ladylovespink on 21 Sep 2012
Last updated on 9 July 2020 by MsSydie
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
10 Answers
MsSydie
9 July 2020
Okay Folks. Meet some one who is Allergic to Codeine, AND Percocet AND Oxycontin. I CAN'T TAKE ANY OF THESE!!! ALL OF THEM MAKE ME VERY ILL!
Bevhous
30 March 2020
They are not the same drug.
MandaPanda405
3 Dec 2017
Codeine and Codone are not derived from the same source. Codeine is derived from Opium. Whereas Codone is completely synthetic and made in a laboratory from chemical compounds. I too am allergic to Codeine and I was concerned about the same thing. So being a true nerdy girl (lol) I researched. However, I once came across pain management Dr. that made me realize not all Dr.'s are smart or remember their basic medical chemistry training. She made a complete ass out of herself. It was my first and last appointment with her lol. She came in and looked through my paperwork asking a few questions here and there. Then as I was explaining what had happened with my last PM Dr. she asked me what medications I was on with him and I said... "15mg Oxycodone 3x a day" she blurts out... "How is that possible?! You listed Codeine as one of your allergies.
If you're allergic to one you're allergic to the other." I corrected her and I'm guessing that not only embarrassed her but also pissed her off because she then went on to tell me that all of my bone and pain issues were not genetic nor real because there was no medical name or term for it. That it would all go away if I lost 150lbs. And last but not least proceeded to tell me that she wouldn't feel right treating my pain until I lost 20lbs... and that I had 1 month to do it in, that if I didn't she would have no choice but to fire me as a patient. Needless to say I walked out of that clinic balling my eyes out and very suicidal. Since then (5yrs ago) I have learned there are medical names for all my painful issues but I have either forgotten or don't know how they're spelled lol. I know this post is 4mo after your question but I hope it's helpful to someone from this day forward!
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Mel12345
12 July 2017
Does Percocet have codeine in it or no
Bevhous
19 April 2020
No it does not
bumblebee90
22 Sep 2012
Hello ladylovespink,
Welcome to the site. There are some very real people on here, who will help you out any way they can. I won't add more than what Pledge said, due to he is the Genious in my opinion. But wanted to for sure encourage you on finding the right answers and hope you get to feeling better soon. We hate for anyone to hurt. Take care, and best wishes to you. Your Friend Ruthie
Inactive
21 Sep 2012
I'm allergic to Codeine too, but can take percocet with no problem! Percocet, Hydrocodone, etc, is usually what they prescribe to ppl who are allergic to codeine. Oxycodone is a synthetic and as I said it is usually prescribed to people who are allergic to codeine. You should be fine. good luck!
Inactive
21 Sep 2012
Hello ladylovespink. Welcome to the site. They are different and yes, safe and effective to being taken. I hope you become/get to feeling pain ASAP. Regards pledge
Ruth4
16 June 2013
Thanks for Pledge's answer. My question is after a long time of being on Norco, it no longer helps as much and Percocet doesn't seem to either. What the heck do you do for the pain then. Aleve makes me sick and i have liver cancer in my family. I don't know what else to do.
balbanese
21 Sep 2012
It's not for me to say it's safe, but I can tell you they're different, and if your Dr knows of your allergy and has half a brain you should be ok, but it wouldn't hurt to express your concerns to the Dr. Hope this helps.
DzooBaby
21 Sep 2012
Kaismama is correct. I am allergic to codeine but I can take oxycodone just fine. Oxycodone is a semisynthetic alkaloid derived from thebaine where codeine is a natural alkaloid of morphine from the opium poppy. There is a good chance you can take oxycodone in spite of the codeine allergy unless you are allergic to all opioids. Oxycodone and codeine are different drugs. Is your codeine allergy a true allergy-either rash or difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or airway? Or is it an intolerance like nausea, dizziness, vomiting? Most people who think they have an allergy to codeine actually just have an intolerance to it.
lisara
11 Nov 2014
I have been taking percocet 5-325mgs for 6 yrs, I had to go to a pain management doctor and show him all of my medications after explaining to him that I take 6 oxycodone percocet a day he told me that there was no way I should be taking that medication if I was allergic to coating because oxycodone percocet has codeine in it and I told him that there was no way. Because I'm highly allergic to codeine and this medication does not affect me the way coding does and he told me he was the doctor and as it did that he had to have medical records from my doctor saying why I was taking this medication and then after getting this information would find a medication to get to me to help control my pain how stupid is a pain management doctor have to be to know that oxy codone does not contain coating I want someone to respond to this with information that I can point out that straight oxycodone and park or percocetdoes not contain codeine please thank you very much
Inactive
11 Jan 2015
Although oxycodone and hydrocodone are semi-synthetic opioids, they are very similar to codeine. They are all categorized under the SAME chemical class of opioids called phenanthrenes. If one is truly allergic (not pseudoallergic) to a drug in this category, it is best to avoid ALL opioids in this group. Thus, a true allergic reaction to codeine (Tylenol 1-4) would render you highly vulnerable to both oxycodone (Percocet) and hydrocodone (Vicodin). There may be a very slight possibility for a person to be allergic to codeine but not oxycodone/hydrocodone. However, if your body mounts an allergic response, it will most likely be unable to distinguish between the very similar chemical structures.
Furthermore, all opioids are capable of inducing PSEUDOALLERGIC reactions by triggering the release of histamine from mast cells. Developing a mild rash though non-immunologic mechanisms (immunologic involves IgE and accounts for most anaphylaxis) is not common, but does occur. This may add to the confusion patients have regarding "opioid allergies".
I do not want to trivialize any adverse reactions people are experiencing or convince people with true allergies that they don't have one. Many confuse intolerance with severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) warranting discontinued use of opioids in the same class. Tolerance to hydrocodone/oxycodone and having an "allergic reaction" to codeine is most likely due to other factors such as metabolism, dosage, and drug mechanism (via mu, kappa, delta receptors).
Considerations/Alternatives
1) Tramadol does not fit in the standard opioid classes. As an atypical opioid, this unique analgesic is one alternative for TRUE allergies.
2) The codeine and hydrocodone are metabolized by an enzyme called CYP2D6. There are individual and ethnic variables that makes some slow or ultra-rapid metabolizers. This affects the level of analgesia or severity/onset of adverse reactions. Furthermore, certain medications (heart, antidepressants, etc) can affect these drugs. Also worth noting is the fact that oxycodone is metabolized by CYP2D6 (to oxymorphone), but is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4. Researching drug-drug interactions and genetic differences may be beneficial for highly intolerant people.
3) Dosage adjustments might be considered. This is a rough estimate (prodrugs alter this formula).
5mg Oxycodone = 10mg Hydrocodone = 60mg Codeine
Ranges of Prescription Drugs
Codeine in Tylenol 15-60mg
Hydrocodone in Vicodin/Norco 5-10mg
Oxycodone in Percocet 2.5-10mg
You might consider Vicodin (5/500mg) over Percocet (5mg/325mg) due to less opioid activity and more aspirin
newnurse5813
10 Jan 2017
Hi :-) I am a nurse and someone with severe codeine allergy. My response is anaphylactic.
This allergy is familial, in that others in my extended family have experienced it, with the same severity, and my son also has it. I was advised by my pathologist to stay away from ALL opiates, synthetic or non synthetic, drugs with even minute amounts such as Imodium or anti-diarrheals.
When a person says they are anaphylactic to ANY type of opiate, don't prescribe it, don't administer it. period. The 10% chance they may react (to other classes of opiates or even tramadol), is way too high a chance to play with a life.
In my life, since the discovery of my allergy to codeine, I have had 3 children, abcesses and my son has had a collapsed lung. There are other methods of reducing pain (for serious pain, ketamine, or anesthesia).
I have had family members die because a doctor and nurse thought that a drug would not cross react and they trusted it and took a different opiate.
Save a life, don't give it or prescribe it.
Mel12345
12 July 2017
I get dizzy feel sick on my stomach and lightheaded and the doctor told me never ever take codeine again stay away from it
rniebla771
9 Feb 2018
I found out i was allergic to codeine when i was sick with bronchitis..the nurse gave me intravenous codeine and put me into a coma for 4 days. But, i can still take vicodin and Percocet with no problems, but pharmacist said would not fill prescription for tramadol because, it reacts like codeine go figure.
kaismama
21 Sep 2012
Just because they both have the letters cod in them does not make them the same. Being allergic to one does not mean you will be allergic to the other.
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