Painkiller worry

[Worryalot33]

Hi all

I'm new here and a bit nervous.

I've been taking co codamol 30/500 for around ten years for rheumatoid in my back.
I've began to worry that these could be giving me stomach, liver or kidney damage. I can't take NSAIDs and my cocodamol do help. I also have very bad anxiety so it may be more related
To this than anything else but I am worried.

Does anyone else have information on this?

Thanks in advance everyone

[Worryalot33]

Hi tuck

Thanks so much for your advice. I take about 4 a day which is 2000mg I think? After both my pregnancies I was on 8 a day so the maximum 4000mg for about 8 weeks (pregnancy well and truely put stress on my back!!) I had both pregnancies painkiller free so 9 months break each time.I'm not sure whether trios helps the body recover at all.

My doctors never seem concerned except about possibly addiction which clearly isn't the case for me.

Do you know of other people on similar doses? Really appreciate your help and advice. More appreciated than you know

[Tuckamore]

Hello and Welcome to our Pain Management Forum.

It's not the Codeine contained in the Co-codamol that should be concerning for liver damage. Co-codamol contains both paracetamol and codeine. Paracetamol is better known in the USA as Tylenol (Acetaminophen).

How many 30/500mg are you taking a one day? If you are taking one or two this shouldn't be a concern. The limit per day is 4,000mg. Remember that's from all forms,- meaning an Acetaminophen  tablet or other medications that contain Acetaminophen.

Several years ago there was an effort to reconsider the amount of recommended daily intake of Acetaminophen - however that failed. The amount remains at 4,000mg. Most pharmacists and medical professionals will tell you that 2,500mg is a safer amount.

Make sure you are having labs done, at least yearly that check your kidney and liver functions. Last but not least, also discuss your concerns with your medical provider.

I've been on a daily dose of approximately 1,500mgs of Acetaminophen daily for over 10 years. So far I've not had an issues but I understand your concerns.

I hope something I have said has helped. Other members may stop by and give their input too. Please let us know how you are doing. I'll look forward to your participation in our forum.

Good Luck,
~Tuck