*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature M: MRSA.

Side Effects Of Codeine

NHS medicines information on side effects of codeine and what you can do to cope.

Like all medicines, codeine can cause side effects in some people. But many people have no side effects or only minor ones.

The higher the dose of codeine the more chance that you will get side effects.

Common side effects

These common side effects of codeine happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

If this advice does not help and any of these side effects continue to bother you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects happen in less than 1 in 100 people.

Call a doctor or call 111 now if you:

have muscle stiffness
get symptoms of low blood pressure, which include feeling dizzy and tired

Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

you have breathing difficulty or short, shallow breathing
you have a fit or seizure

Find your nearest A&E

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to codeine.

Long-term side effects

Some people with conditions that need long-term pain relief may need to take codeine for a long time.

If you need to take it for a long time your body can become used to it (known as tolerance). That means you need higher doses to control your pain over time.

Some people can become more sensitive to pain (hyperalgesia). If this happens, your doctor will reduce your dose gradually to help these symptoms.

It's possible to become addicted to codeine. For this reason, your dose will be reviewed to make sure you're only having the amount you need to control your pain.

Your treatment plan may include details of how and when you'll stop codeine.

If you're having treatment for cancer pain or other severe pain, your pain control will be carefully monitored. Speak to your doctor if you're worried about tolerance, hyperalgesia or becoming addicted.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of codeine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature M: MRSA. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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