Replacement For Targin
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Hello, I live in Australia and wondered if anyone could suggest an alternative to Targin 10/5 mg twice a day, morn & night. I have been taking this for nearly two years. I have a really severe reaction to it, the worst being the itching at night which often prevents me from sleeping at all. I believe it is the codeine in the drug that cause this as the same reaction occurred in the past when taking oxycodeine. I have tried Norspan patches but they are very hard to keep on in our climate as it is so hot in Perth, also they wear off after the second day and don't work anymore on me unfortunately. I have told my doctor about this on more than one occasion and as the reaction is 'itching' he dismisses it and says to put up with it. I use it because I have Anyklosing Spondalytis, which is a very painful type of degenerative Arthritis in my lower back shoulder and pelvis. The dose of Targin does not prevent pain breakthrough so can anybody out there suggest a very good alternative strong slow release medication i can tell my doctor to prescribe that is available in Australia? Many thanks Amelia.

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Hi Amelia,

I'm in SE Qld which is also hot and humid. I worked out using Durogesic 25 patches for my pain that before applying I used an alcohol wipe to really clean the skin of grease. Also to limit the high & lows I'm using a 3-day patch and only removing the old patch on day 4.

However after 4 years I am now trying to be weaned off my patch, as I have developed opioid induced hyperalgesia generally seen as low libido and very very sensitive skin.

Now I'm using Targin 15 x 2 daily.

However, the withdrawal symptoms have been extreme and reduced opioid intake to slowly be weaned off has seen my pain go thru the roof.

So I'm in a quandary, find a suitable opioid alternative or fight thru the withdrawal symptoms?

Neither fills me with much relief.

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Hi this is an issue I need to resolve targinact is being removed from permitted prescription here in my part of uk I need to find an alternative before that happens.

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Hi Amelia
I live near Byron Bay in Nsw and like many, struggle with back pain.
I am currently taking 20 mg norspan patch and a mixture of tragic and Mobil. Have you tried mobic?
I found myself with horrid itchy reaction to the patch but it seems to depend where I place it. Dr suggested using a cream to combat itch but that only helps after you remove it of course! Have you tried different parts of the body? And I always put it on after a shower and ensure its where clothes can protect it.
Bottom line is it seems a constant challenge trying to get the right mix and without addictive drugs. Stay in touch if you like - some days are diamonds, others are the rough type!

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Hello, Amelia! How are you?

Targin doesn't contain Codeine, it contains Oxycodone, so it's the same drug you reacted to before.

This is a narcotic analgesic, so it has the potential to be habit forming and may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation.

Unfortunately, I don't know what else is available for you to try. Have you tried anything to treat or prevent the itching?

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