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, to stop the pain coming back when the medicine wears off. Pain can be harder to control if you wait until your pain is bad before taking painkillers.
Your doctor and nurse should check your pain regularly, to make sure your painkillers are working. Tell them if your pain gets worse. They will look at your painkillers and may increase the dose or add different painkillers.
“Take painkillers as soon as you experience any pain. Don’t feel you have to suffer in silence or that it’s better not to take them. Dealing with pain quickly and effectively will improve the quality of your life.”
A syringe pump (also called a syringe driver) provides a steady flow of painkillers. It is a small battery operated machine which is attached to a needle that is put under the skin. This needle is then replaced with a plastic tube. A doctor or nurse will set it up for you.
A syringe pump is used if you can’t swallow medicines, are being sick or your bowel can’t absorb the medicines. It’s also used if your drugs can only be given by injection.
A syringe pump can also be used for other medicines, such as anti-sickness medicine. You can move around with a syringe pump, and can use it at home.
Painkillers can cause side effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about side effects of the painkillers you are taking. Tell them if you get any side effects. They may prescribe medicine to prevent or treat side effects, or they may change the painkiller. Don’t stop taking your painkillers without speaking to your doctor or nurse first.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you are taking. Medicines can affect each other, causing more 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.
Updated April 2025
To be reviewed April 2028
