WHICH IBD MEDICINES ARE OPIOIDS?

WHICH IBD MEDICINES ARE OPIOIDS?

Opioid Medicines, also called Narcotics include

  • Morphine
  • Methadone 
  • Oxycodone  (Oxycontin)
  • Fentanyl (Actiq, Fentora, Duragesic)
  • Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex)
  • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
  • Perthidine (meperidine, Demerol)

Codeine also had some of these risks but tramadol did not.

Because these side effects can be so bad and even dangerous, and because patients can easily become addicted, doctors are trying to use them only briefly and only when absolutely necessary. Women, older patients, those with arthritis, those with ongoing (chronic) pain and those needing opioids before diagnosis are especially at risk of needing these medicines in the first months after being diagnosed with IBD.

If you have been on these medicines and can't get off them, do speak with your doctor. We now have other, and often better ways of dealing with pain and getting help for you before, or if you, are addicted.

This article, as well as all others, was reviewed and edited by a member of our Medical Advisory Board.

Subscribe Be the first to know

Subscribe