Morphine sulfate

[kioken]

About 1 month ago my pain management doctor increased my dosage of morphine sulfate from 10 gm to 30 mg (1 every 12 hours).  Shortly after I began taking the 30mg morphine sulfate, I started to develop a slight rash.  Over the last week, the rash has become much worse and a real problem.  I've been taking over the counter benadryl  tabs to get some relief from the rash which is helping a little to relief the itching and rash.  It appears that I should ask my doctor to take me back down to the 10 mg at which point I was not having a rash.  However, the reason for increasing the morphine to 30 mg was to get more relief from my chronic pain.  The increased dosage did relieve the pain but the rash and itching is worse than the pain.  Perhaps I have answered my own question but would one half of a 30mg pill be the equivalent of a 15 mg pill?  I know I need to speak to my doctor but I'm just trying to get some relief from the rash and itching in the meantime.  Any other suggestions?

[caregiver222]

You should obtain the lot number of the medication and file an FDA adverse effects report on line. This is an uncommon side effect and may be batch-related.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Kioken,

Welcome to our Pain Management Forum. I'm sorry to hear that you pain has increased and that you are requiring an increase in your medication.

While taking any medication any rash should be reported to your medical provider asap. It can be an allergic reaction to the medication.

Our systems can be strange. You can take a medication - opiate or not - for years with no side effects. For reasons beyond my understanding our body builds antigens to this drug we may have taken for years - an allergic reaction begins. It can be in the form of a rash, hives or other SX (symptoms). If not recognized the allergic reaction can become severe.

I don't know if that is what is happening to you. It's many of allergies  initially presented.  Don't mess around my friend in pain - contact your prescribing physician. Let him/her determine where to from here. You may find that even the lower dose will produce a rash or other SX at this point.

Please keep in touch and let us know what you discover. I'll be very interested to hear more from you. As always if you have additional questions please let us know.

Best of Luck,
~Tuck