Pethidine

Pethidine is an opioid pain-relief medicine that your doctor can prescribe. Find out more about pethidine, how it works and possible side effects.

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Oxycodone

Oxycodone is an opioid pain-relief medicine used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Find out how oxycodone works and about possible side effects.

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Tramadol

Tramadol is an opioid pain-relief medicine used for moderate to severe pain. Find out how it works, and about side effects and alternatives.

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Endone

Endone is used to relieve moderate or severe pain, such as pain after surgery or an injury. Here’s how to take it and possible side effects.

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Methadone

Methadone is an opioid medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out more about methadone, how it works and possible side effects.

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Tapentadol

Tapentadol is a prescription-only opioid medicine used for pain relief. Find out more about tapentadol, how it works and about possible side effects.

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Codeine

Codeine is an opioid medicine used to relieve mild pain and suppress dry coughs. Find out how codeine works and about possible side effects.

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Opioid medicines and pain

Some pain medicines, such as opioids, need to be taken with care. Learn about the risks and benefits of opioids, side effects and pain-relief alternatives.

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Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a high-strength opioid medicine that can be prescribed by your doctor. Find out more about fentanyl, how it works and possible side effects.

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Hydromorphone

Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out how hydromorphone works and learn about its side effects.

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Dihydrocodeine

Dihydrocodeine is an opioid-based medicine available on prescription from your doctor. It is categorised as a 'weak' opioid. Learn more here.

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Morphine

Morphine is an opioid-based medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out more about morphine, how it works and possible side effects.

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Opioids

Opioids are a group of medicines prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Learn about their side effects, withdrawal symptoms and what to do in an overdose.

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Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is an opioid medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out more about buprenorphine, how it works and possible side effects.

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Common questions about opioid medicines and pain

Opioid medicines can help alleviate pain. But like all medicines, opioids come with risks and side effects. You should be informed about your pain medication and pain-relief options. Here are some frequently asked questions about opioids.

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Taking opioid medicines safely

Opioid medicines are prescribed to relieve pain caused by cancer, surgery or injury. It's crucial to take them safely to reduce the risk of opioid harm.

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Chronic pain

Chronic pain lasts for more than 3 months or beyond normal healing time. Learn more about its causes, living with, and managing chronic pain.

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Better access to an overdose-reversing medication could save lives

A nasal spray has been added to the PBS, meaning many Australians could be saved from overdosing on prescription and illicit opioids.

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Can medicines be addictive?

Some medicines can cause dependence and addiction. Learn which ones are associated with these risks and how to avoid dependence or addiction when taking them.

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Prescription addiction can happen to anyone

Prescription medicines are responsible for more than 2 in 3 accidental drug-related deaths. Here's what you need to know about prescription addiction.

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Heroin

Heroin is a highly addictive drug with many serious side effects. Find out more about heroin's effects and the dangers of long term abuse and addiction.

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Accidental overdose of medicine

Accidental overdose of medicine is very dangerous, but preventable. Here's how to avoid the risk of overdose, and the medicines that need special care.

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Options for managing chronic pain

Chronic pain affects 1 in 5 Australians aged over 45. An effective pain-management plan should include a combination of strategies, not medicines alone.

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Opioid withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea and anxiety, can occur if you stop taking an opioid medicine suddenly. Reducing the dosage slowly and carefully is key.

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Pain-relief medicines

There's a range of pain-relief medicines for acute or chronic pain, including over-the-counter and prescription medication. All have possible side effects.

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