Five questions you should ask your doctor about opioid-based pain relief

The use of opioid-based pain relief has quadrupled in the last decade, and as of this year, it requires a trip to your GP to get your hands on codeine-based pain killers like panadeine and nurofen plus.

In terms of pain management, Dr Hester Wilson suggests a good step in the right direction is asking your doctor a few simple questions if given a script for a pain medication.

• What are the issues or side effects of this drug?
• What are the risks for me as an individual?
• Do we really know what is going on with my pain?
• Can we reassess or rethink my treatment? Or, what is the best combination of treatment?
• Can I work out a pain management plan with you, or does it require a specialist?

To find out more visit: www.scriptwise.org.au.

ScriptWise is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preventing the harms associated with prescription medication use.