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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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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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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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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Nerve pain (neuralgia)

Nerve pain can feel like a shooting, stabbing or burning sensation. There are many ways to treat it, such as traditional pain relief medicines, exercise and alternative therapies. Learn how to identify symptoms and manage nerve pain.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common, long-term joint condition that causes pain and limits joint movement. There are many causes, but the symptoms can often be managed.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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Arthritis

Arthritis is not one disease alone, but an umbrella term for more than 100 conditions that affect the joints of the body. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment here.

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