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codeine vs azathioprine

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Posted 10/6/2013 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
I've been taking codeine along with X strength Tylenol to control pain for a fractured bone. Wonderfully, my UC symptoms have improved dramatically. (having almost solid poops and very little blood, urgency is better too) I'm thinking hmmm, codeine is a lot safer than an immunosupressant plus it's working so much better at controlling symptoms I've taken a look on this forum about taking codeine, and I find out that I MIGHT need to be concerned about toxic megacolon.

Anyone have anything to say about this?

One bad thing I'm experiencing with codeine is restless legs in the evening.
Posted 10/6/2013 11:47 AM (GMT 0)
I don't think Codeine is doing anything at all. It is something else. If we consider codeine is helping you (same as LDN), you will end up codeine dependent eventually. Regular tylenol dosing will mess up with your glutathione significantly and no one will be able to predict what those free radicals will end up doing.

Good observation though.
Posted 10/6/2013 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
Lodi: I know you have had it tough, tougher than many of us. While it is possible that Codeine may be helping you I would find it very difficult to advise you that that is a good answer. Obviously it is very easy to get addicted to it and I can't imagine that as being a good thing. As far as toxic megacolon goes, for anyone having regular diarrhea I don't think they would have to worry about it. I would highly recommend that anyone having formed stools not do anything such as Codeine, Imodium, etc. because that could be a very serious risk.
Posted 10/6/2013 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
Codine is prescribed as a long term anti-diarrheal in other countries, but is considered 'too addictive' in the states. You can always talk to your doctor.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC370312/
Posted 10/6/2013 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think codiene is safer than Imuran. I don't know that much about the statistics of safety but coedine is addictive and a narcotic (I think). I feel awful when I take coedine, itchy, nauseous, generally ill. It's nice that it's giving you a break from your UC symptoms, hopefully you continue to feel well. Ask your GI if it's an option if it's working for you but I have a feeling they will say no. I have heard of people using a tincture of opium to get into remission. It's not common but they say it works.
Posted 10/6/2013 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
That's why this is such an incredible resource and why I asked! I know there is much more too it than meets the eye. The lines of reasoning are endless with this disease which makes me so confused.

Just as an update, I'm decreasing the dose of codeine as my pain subsides. My UC symptoms are a little looser, a little more blood.

My realistic thoughts know that this is just a side effect from the codeine, and yes, I will just enjoy the slight relief.

I didn't know about the Tylenol/glutathione thing either, so thanks, I guess that's why it's best not to take anything if you can help it.

Tornado, that's interesting about codeine being an antidiarrheal in other countries, do you know where?

I'll definitely discuss this with my GI. Thanks everyone!
Posted 10/7/2013 10:03 AM (GMT 0)
All it is doing is masking the symptoms and it can become dangerouse this is why it is not used as a treatment not to mention the dependancy. I would be VERY careful with it. Drugs in that class are not to be taken lightly for crohns /UC sufferers and best to educate yourself as much as possible.

Personally i would take codeine as a one off now and again. Try and find another strong pain med for relief :-)
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