I’ve been taking codeine for severe back pain for a couple of days and I haven’t pooed in about 4 days. I am on capacitabine for breast cancer and I am wondering if there’s a laxative I can take that won’t interfere with that. I’ve been eating apricots which normally works but this time it hasn’t.
I would recommend contacting your team or GP for help. I had codeine and was given laxido to soften the stools from my GP.
I also ate kiwi and pears which can help naturally, my holistic massage therapist suggest jumping up and down as it can stimulate the digestive system.
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Thank you for the advice. I will try and eat more fruit. Unfortunately I can’t jump up and down as my back is very painful - hence the codeine. I’m seeing my oncologist on Tuesday but hopefully I will have managed to poop by then 
Thank you for posting. It sounds like you are having a difficult time with constipation, which is a common side effect side effect of both capecitabine and opioid painkillers like codeine. Constipation can significantly impact quality of life and as @naughty_boob says, it is important to let your treatment team or breast care nurse know that you are experiencing it so that they can assess the cause of your symptoms and advise you on the most appropriate treatment for you.
Changes to diet and lifestyle such as eating high fibre food like apricots can often help ease symptoms. As this has not helped in your situation it is important to let your treatment team know so they can prescribe a suitable laxative
There are different types of laxatives available that work in different ways, and your team will prescribe one that won’t interfere with your treatment.
If you haven’t already done so, it is also important that you let your team know about the back pain you are experiencing to ensure that this is also effectively assessed and managed.
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