Pain relief medicines

For pain such as backpain or headaches, simple painkillers such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory agents work best but can have potential side effects, so you need to weigh up the pros and cons.

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Pain relief after surgery

Pain after an operation is a common problem but there is no need for you to be in a lot of pain. Pain relief after surgery is usually safe and effective.

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Nerve pain treatments

Treating nerve pain can be difficult, but underlying conditions can often be managed. Here’s how to control nerve pain, and a list of pain clinics.

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Codeine no longer available over the counter from Feb 1

Pain-relief medicines that contain codeine will no longer be available without a doctor's prescription from 1 Feb 2018. Here’s what you need to know.

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Chronic pain

Chronic pain continues long after your body should have completely healed. Learn more about living with chronic pain and how to manage it.

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Tramadol

Tramadol is a pain relief medicine. This page explains what tramadol is used for, how it works, its risks and other treatment options available in its place.

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Nerve pain medication

There are many different types of medicines used to help ease nerve pain. Find out more about what medicines to take from a trusted source.

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Osteoarthritis treatment

Information on osteoarthritis treatment options and medicines. Plus links to trusted resources.

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Codeine

Codeine is a medicine that relieves pain and reduces coughing.

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TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)

TENS machine delivers a small electrical current to the body through electrodes attached to the skin. TENS, is a form of pain relief without medicine. Find out more about TENS.

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Endone

Endone is used to relieve moderate or severe pain, such as after surgery or an injury. It's safe to take it under the direction of a doctor. Here’s how to take it and possible side effects.

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Peripheral nerve block (lower limb)

A peripheral lower limb nerve block can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after the operation.

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Medicinal cannabis

Medicinal cannabis (medical marijuana) is highly regulated in Australia. Learn how it might be used to help relieve the symptoms of certain medical conditions.

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Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a type of anti-inflammatory pain reliever. It is a medicine that treats fever and pain caused by inflammation. It belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.

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Spinal anaesthetic

A spinal anaesthetic can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after an operation or procedure.

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Back pain diagnosis and treatment

Find out how a doctor diagnoses the cause of back pain and how to treat it, including with pain relief medication, physical therapy, acupuncture and self-care.

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Osteoarthritis medication

There are many different types of medicines used to help ease osteoarthritis symptoms. Learn more about what medicines to take from a trusted source.

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Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)

Anti-inflammatory medicines can be used to relieve pain, reduce redness and swelling (inflammation), or treat a fever.

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Children's medicines

Children don't always need medicine to get over an illness, but if you do need to give medicine, here are some useful tips.

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Paracetamol

You can take paracetamol for mild to moderate pain. Here’s some information on how paracetamol works, when you should not take it and possible side effects.

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Pain relief during labour

Learn about the different ways to relieve pain during childbirth, and how your support person can help you.

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Complications of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can result in additional complications. Find out about complications of osteoarthritis.

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Arthritis

Learn more about this common condition that causes pain and inflammation within the joints. Check out our guide on arthritis.

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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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Getting the most out of your pharmacist

Pharmacists are qualified medicines experts who provide advice and counselling on products and general healthcare. Learn how community pharmacists can help you.

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6 New Year’s resolutions worth keeping

Instead of joining a gym, cutting out carbs or attempting New Year's resolutions that are hard to stick to, these practical and doable health tweaks can make a big difference.

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Opioids

Opioids are a group of medicines that may be prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Opioids reduce feelings of pain by interrupting the way nerves signal pain between the brain and the body. Sometimes opioids are taken after being obtained illegally for non-prescribed use.

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Asthma and pregnancy

Most asthma medicines have been shown to be extremely safe for both you and your developing baby but check with your doctor if taking oral corticosteroids.

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