What pain relief can I use that doesn’t
require a prescription?
Treating
short-term pain such as dental pain, minor injuries, headache, migraine and
period pain is an every day part of life.
Capital Chemist
can provide you access to safe, effective treatment options for acute pain
conitions.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol is a common pain reliever that is
effective for minor pain in adults and children. Your Capital Chemist staff can
advise you on the correct dosage and dose form to ensure this medication is
effective for you.
Anti-inflammatories
(e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac)
Anti-inflammatory medications reduce pain and
inflammation. There are a number of options available including tablets and
topical rubs that can assist to reduce pain. Anti-inflammatories can interfere
with some other medications and health conditions, so it’s best to discuss your
options with your Capital Chemist pharmacist.
Combination
Products
For pain that isn’t adequately controlled with
paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory, your pharmacist may recommend a product
that combines these two medications together. This results in improved pain
control compared to a single ingredient, and simplifies treatment by reducing
the number of tablets you need to take.
Other
Medications
Depending on the type of pain, there may be other
medication options that your Capital Chemist pharmacist may recommend. Whether
it be a herbal medicine, a topical rub, or another alternative, your pharmacist
will help you choose the best option for your pain.
What if the options without codeine are not
providing successful pain relief?
If your pain is severe, chronic or you
are experiencing side effects you should discuss options with your local
Capital Chemist pharmacist.
You may be referred to other health care
professionals who can assist with managing your pain. This may mean a
prescription from your doctor for a codeine-based pain relief medication, or a
different medication to help manage your pain.
Are non-drug treatments available for pain relief?
Not all pain has to be treated with medication. Your local
Capital Chemist pharmacist can assess you and consider other factors that can
contribute to your pain, such as weight, mobility, or stress.
They may refer you to an allied health professional
for physiotherapy or massage, or they may consider alternative pain relief
options, including hot & cold therapy. You may also benefit from a
structured weight loss program through our pharmacy or by referral.
There is also TENS. A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve
Stimulator is a small electrical device, about the size of a mobile phone, that
provides temporary pain relief by reducing the nerve’s abilities to transmit
pain messages. This treatment can be used alone or in combination with
medications to improve overall pain control. TENS can be used to treat acute or
chronic pain that affects muscles and joints and is particularly useful for
arthritis, back pain and shoulder pain.
Talk to your Capital Chemist pharmacist
about the changes to the availability of codeine products.
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