Possible to be allergic to codeine but not oxycodone?

[SaosinEngaged]

I take Oxy regularly and have never had any kind of allergic reaction. This is over a period of about two years. One time recently I tried codeine and had a terrible reaction including facial swelling and shortness of breath that almost had me in the ER. It was scary, let me tell you.

I ask because my brother was put on codeine and he had a similar reaction and the doctor WOULD NOT prescribe him Oxy, due to risk of allergy.

This got me thinking again about my own usage; am I playing with fire? I know allergies can erupt spontaneously but I haven't had a problem so far. Now I'm kind of worrying about it.

I'm not longer taking just a few milligrams, so if I were to suddenly get a reaction, Itd likely be bad at the higher doses I'm taking.

Anyone have anything to add? Or any thoughts? Experience with allergies to one opiate and not another?

 

[SaosinEngaged]

Also has anyone ever heard of someone taking Oxy for a long time then suddenly getting an allergy? That would be a shitty way to detox....

 

[perKeceT]

from what ive read/heard/etc. somewhere around 1/3 of Caucasians are allergic to codeine and morphine. semi-synthetics like oxy/hydrocodone were made so that these people could get pain relief, so yes, its 100% possible, and probably pretty common.

 

[K'd-OUT-in-AZ]

I was horribly addicted to oxycodone, usually took 240-320mg daily, and never had an allergic reaction. However if I take codeine I get allergic reactions so it isn't abnormal to get it from one opiate and not another. Codeine is notorious for causing itchiness and red hives. Morphine is also another culprit that can on occasion cause this reaction. But not from oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, etc. Morphine and codeine are the only two that cause me to itch until I'm red.