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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Hydromorphone

Hydromorphone is a strong opioid pain medicine prescribed by your doctor. Find out how it works and learn about its possible side effects.

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Opioids

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

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Pain-relief medicines

Pain-relief medicines include over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Learn about their side effects as well as when and when not to use them.

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Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a strong opioid medicine prescribed by doctors for severe pain. Learn about how it works and potential side effects.

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Codeine

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

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Opioid withdrawal symptoms

Opioid withdrawal symptoms may vary depending on the opioid. Find out how to stop safely and manage symptoms to prevent long-term health risks.

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Accidental overdose of medicine

Accidental overdose of medicine can be very dangerous, but it is preventable. Learn how to avoid overdosing, and what medicines need special care.

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Oxycodone

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

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Tapentadol

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

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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 risks of opioid harm.

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Dihydrocodeine

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

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Tramadol

Tramadol is an opioid pain-relief medicine used for severe pain. Find out how it works, its side effects and other ways to manage pain.

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Methadone

Methadone is an opioid medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out how it works and when it might be prescribed.

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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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Morphine

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

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Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a prescription opioid medicine. Learn about how it works, when to use it, and its potential risks and side effects.

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Medicines for nerve pain

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

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Low back pain

Low back pain is common and affects most people at some point in their life. Learn about the causes and what to do if you have low back pain.

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Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen treats fever and pain caused by inflammation. Learn more about how it works, how to take it and its possible side effects.

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Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis, or spinal canal stenosis, is a narrowing of the canal in which the spinal cord sits. Explore symptoms, causes, and treatments.

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Muscle aches and pains

Muscular aches and pains are common. They are often caused by tension, overuse of muscles, or injury following exercise.

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Strep throat

Strep throat is an infection of your throat caused by streptococci bacteria. Learn more about what it is, and its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

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Headaches

Headache is a common health complaint and most headaches are not serious. Learn about the different types of headaches and pain relief options.

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Spinal disc problems

Spinal disc problems can cause back pain, numbness and nerve problems. Maintain posture and strengthen muscles to help prevent disc problems.

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Can medicines be addictive?

Some medicines can be addictive. You can become dependent on a medicine. Find out the difference. Learn how to avoid becoming addicted to medicines.

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Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without needing a prescription. OT medicines can cause side effects and drug interactions.

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Mpox (Monkeypox)

Monkeypox (mpox) is a rare infectious disease related to smallpox. While symptoms are usually mild, it can be serious and need medical attention.

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Frostbite

Frostbite develops when your skin freezes after exposure to very low temperatures. See how to reduce the risk of frostbite if you prepare properly.

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Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for arthritis

DMARDs are medicines used to treat autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Learn how these medicines work and about the side effects.

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