Your doctor or nurse will tell you how and when to take your painkillers, and how long the pain relief should last. They should also explain any possible side effects. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions. For example, you may need to take your painkillers at regular times. Pain can be harder to control if you wait until your pain is bad before taking painkillers.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you are taking. Medicines can affect each other, causing extra side effects or stopping another drug from working. This includes drugs you can buy at your local pharmacy, like ibuprofen and paracetamol, and some herbal remedies.
Don’t stop taking your painkillers without speaking to your doctor or nurse first. If you are worried about side effects, speak to them before changing anything.
Your doctor and nurse should check your pain regularly. This is to make sure that your painkillers are working properly. Tell them if your pain gets worse. They will look at your painkillers again. They may increase the dose or add different painkillers. If you have bad side effects, you may be offered a different painkiller.
