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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Cellulitis treatment

Treating cellulitis with antibiotics and rest.

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Pancreatitis treatments

There are a range of treatments which may be recommended, depending on the cause of the pancreatitis and the person’s condition. Read about them here.

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Over-the-counter medicines

There are some medicines you don't need a prescription for. These are called over-the-counter medicines.

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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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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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Arthroscopic release of frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder can cause severe pain and stiffness. An arthroscopic capsular release should reduce your pain and help you to move your shoulder more easily.

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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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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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Managing period pain

Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is common but can stop some women from enjoying their normal activities. Here are some ways to manage painful periods.

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Tension headache

Tension headaches are very common and experienced by almost everyone. Learn more about tension headaches including its symptoms, causes and treatments.

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Cluster headache

Cluster headaches are rare headaches that occur in a group, or cluster. Find out more about causes, symptoms and prevention of cluster headaches.

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Headaches

Headache is a common health complaint, but most headaches are easily treated. Learn about the different types of headaches and pain-relief options.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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