Sudden allergy to opiates after tkr. never had before. will i now not be able to take them again for pain? on prednisone to try to get rid of itch!

Fentanyl: While people can become allergic to morphine, Codeine or dilaudid, fentanyl allergy is very rare and may be a good choice in the future.

Not all: Allergies develop on their schedule, so cannot predict if/when will happen. With narcotics, most are different enough from each other that we will try another if allergic to one/some. Many choices before we switch to hammer. Can reduce itch feeling with Pepcid 2x/day added to prednisone. Can also take Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or zyrtec if ok with your dr for more help w/symptoms.

Yes.: Not sure you are truly allergic to the opiates. Itching, nausea and vomiting are known side affects but are not considered allergic reactions and are dose related. Some opiates may produce a rash or hives related to histamine release by the body. In that situation, switching from one type of opiate to another (morphine to dilaudid) may eliminate the problem.

Try different class: All opioids or opiates cause some itching. Talk to your doctor about switching to a different class.

Yes. Don't take agai: If it was established by your physician that you had a true allergic reaction to an opiate, you should not take an opiate again; the severity of the next reaction is not predictable, and could be anything from mild to anaphylaxis. There are other analgesics available and alternate ways to treat moderate to severe pain.