*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.

Who Can And Cannot Take Codeine

NHS medicines information on who can take codeine and who may not be able to take it.

Who can take codeine

Adults and children aged 12 and older can take codeine. But only give codeine to children (aged 12 to 18 years) if everyday painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen have not worked.

Who may not be able to take codeine

Codeine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before starting the medicine if you have:

ever had an allergic reaction to codeine or any other medicine
a lung problem
a head injury
adrenal gland problems
a condition which causes seizures or fits
an addiction to alcohol
an underactive thyroid gland
kidney or liver problems
gallstones
an enlarged prostate
low blood pressure
myasthenia gravis, a rare illness that causes muscle weakness
symptoms of ulcerative colitis, a bowel condition
been trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding - codeine is not generally recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Do not give codeine to children who are under 18 if they have had their tonsils or adenoids removed because of a sleep problem called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This is because:

OSA can cause breathing problems while sleeping
codeine can also cause breathing problems

Giving codeine to a child with this condition could be dangerous because of this.

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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