Ok years ago my father was told he was allergic 2 morphine.He is currently on Hospice for his terminal cancer.He was given Liquid morphine Sulfate and has not had any reaction it has actully helped him.They have switched him to just Morphine now and im afraid to give it to him is there a difference and is there a chance he is allergic?please let me know
Is there a difference between morphine and morphine sulfate?
Question posted by msmith01 on 1 Dec 2010
Last updated on 10 March 2017 by shellymac73
4 Answers
shellymac73
11 March 2017
I agree with the others. There are other medications that could give him relief. For example, OxyContin and oxycodone are medicines typically given to cancer patients, and they work very well. But, if the MS Contin is helping, he should stay on it. It's up to you to say "No! I'm not comfortable with switching his medication!" I hope the best for your father and your family.
sunnisheryl
11 Oct 2011
YES THERE IS A DIFFERENCE and you have every right to be concerned! If there was NO difference they would have the SAME name. The difference could be the inactive ingredients or just the way the drug is chemically formed. One I believe is a pure dirivitive, while the other is a sulfate (salts) form. There are other drugs they have available to ease his pain, and you have every right to be worried about him having an allergic reaction. IT COULD BE DEADLY! There are very strong drugs to ease pain that have no morphine in them, addiction isn't a concern, but an allergic reaction is, and on EVERY drug they WARN how DEADLY an allergic reaction can be!! Talk to his Dr., Nurse, etc.
(anyone who helps care for him), and let them know of his allergic reaction 2 morphine (pure form), and tell them you are aware of the difference in the two drugs (look them up on here, and it will tell you the difference, their chemical composition (DIFFERENT), the inactive ingredients (look closely at these, they are DIFFERENT). CALL a pharmacist and ask him these questions. If he/she truely knows what they are talking about they will tell you they are made different. Sulfate in medical terms means "Salts". It has to do with the way the drug is manufactored, or crystalized. Read the chemical compostion carefully on each drug. That should give you the answers your looking for. And MAKE THEM CHANGE IT BACK OR PRESCRIBE HIM SOMETHING ELSE, before he does have an allergic reaction!! May God Bless You and Your Family. My prayers are with you.
christineATU
2 Dec 2010
I agree with my good friend sacosam. If the medication is working, why would it be switched? Be your fathers advocate and ask questions on this. My prayers are with you and your family.
Best wishes,
chris
Sacosam
2 Dec 2010
msmith01; I don't understand why , if every thing was ok , He can't stay on liquid Morphine Sulfate? Also, could there be other drugs that have the pain killing power He needs , especially since addiction is not an option. May god bless your Father ! Sacosam
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Further information
- Morphine uses and safety info
- Morphine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Morphine (detailed)
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