Any idea about the difference in these painkillers

[PillarOfSalt]

I’m normally prescribed 30mg of Codeine Phosphate for period pain. As my periods vary and sometimes they’re bearable it often takes absolutely months before I finish the box (28 per box). I’m going on holiday for a few weeks from Friday, realised yesterday I only had a couple of tablets left so requested a repeat prescription. I’ve been given dihydrocodeine 30mg instead.

I didn’t realise until I got home. I’m not sure if it’s a mistake or if it’s a fairly interchangeable medication. I’ve been googling and can’t find anything to confirm it’s pretty much the same. If possible I’d rather just keep it than reorder as it would be a push to get my normal codeine phosphate by Friday now.

Does anyone know if it’s similar enough to be a normal substitute?

It’s a bit stronger, so might be best to take half a tablet at first just in case it affects you more than usual.

Blimey. I fly with the fairies on DHC. Maybe try one tonight to see how it affects you.

Thank you. Do you think it’s likely to be a mistake by the doctor or pharmacy or are they normally interchangeable? I don’t want anyone to get into trouble if they’ve given me the wrong thing.

I’ll set aside tomorrow evening to test the effects. I’m doing my packing tomorrow evening so it could be an interesting combination.

It could be a prescribing mistake - doctors usually choose from drop down boxes now so they could have clicked on the wrong one in genuine error. You could check with your surgery tomorrow maybe?

You won't get someone untroubled if you ask the pharmacy if there was a mistake. There should be 2 people making up the script - the dispenser and then the pharmacist checking it. If they both made a mistake then they should find out about it as something needs fixing. If you call and they say there is no problem at least you know.