Taking the Pain Away

Learn how to safely and effectively manage your pain

Whether you suffer from headaches, arthritis or other conditions, coping with pain can be difficult. That said, it doesn’t have to stop you from living your best life. Read on to learn more about effective and safe ways to help manage your pain.

Over-the-Counter Medications

As you’re scanning the pharmacy aisles, it can be difficult to tell the difference between all the products. Here are a few common over-the-counter medications that you may come across:

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (Tylenol™) is a medication that helps to reduce fever and relieve pain.¹ It’s a popular choice with a long history of proven efficacy and safety.¹

Acetaminophen is effective in treating headaches and mild-to-moderate pain.¹ However, it may not be as beneficial for pain accompanied by inflammation, such as for areas with swelling, redness and warmth.¹

It’s important to take the right dose, as taking too much acetaminophen can be dangerous. High amounts and long-term use can lead to liver toxicity, particularly if you consume alcohol frequently.¹ Depending on how much acetaminophen you’re taking, it may interact with other medications, including blood thinners, like warfarin, and anti-seizure drugs.¹ Taking acetaminophen for headaches too frequently can also lead to medication-overuse headaches.¹

If you’re not sure whether it’s safe for you to take acetaminophen or how much you should be taking, check with your Rexall™ pharmacist first.

Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil™), naproxen (Aleve™) and ASA (Aspirin™), are another type of over-the-counter medication.² They’re often taken to manage fevers and pain.²

Similar to acetaminophen, NSAIDs can help with headaches and overall mild-to-moderate pain.² In addition to this, they also reduce pain with inflammation, which may be present with muscle or joint pain.²

While NSAIDs can be used to treat a greater range of conditions than acetaminophen, there are some possible side effects that you should consider. They can affect your kidney function and raise your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), check with your doctor or Rexall™ pharmacist before taking any NSAIDs. They can also increase your risk of stomach bleeds, especially if you have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeds.² NSAIDs can interact with other medications, including blood pressure medications and some antidepressants.²

A few NSAIDs, like diclofenac (Voltaren™), come in gels and other topical (applied to the skin) formulations instead of as pills or liquids.² These can help relieve pain and inflammation where they’re applied, without the concerns that come with taking them by mouth.² They’re a great option if you have other medical conditions, which are more common as you get older, and if the pain occurs in only a few areas.²

If you’re feeling uncertain whether an NSAID is appropriate for your pain, you can always discuss it with your Rexall™ pharmacist.

Natural Health Products

Outside of these pain relief medications, you might come across natural health products with similar claims. Let’s take a look at a few ingredients that you might encounter:

Counterirritants

Counterirritants are ingredients that produce mild irritation or inflammation to decrease pain sensations.³ Common counterirritants include menthol, which produces a cooling effect, and capsaicin, which produces a burning effect.⁴ You can find them in the form of creams, gels, liquids and patches.⁴

Though counterirritants don’t reduce pain directly like acetaminophen or NSAIDs, you might still find them helpful. They should be applied carefully, since exposure to the eyes or broken skin can cause significant irritation.⁵ If you notice any signs of skin burning or irritation, including pain, swelling or blistering, stop using the product immediately and discuss it with your doctor.⁴

Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Extracts

There are countless natural health products available, ranging from general multivitamins to specific herbal extracts. Overall, there’s conflicting evidence whether supplements are effective for pain. Unlike medications, there are a variety of formulations and their clinical trials may not be as rigorous as those for prescription or over-the-counter drugs.⁶

This doesn’t mean that natural health products are ineffective though. When choosing products, look for ones with an 8-digit Natural Product Number (NPN), as these have been reviewed by Health Canada.⁴ Products can vary from brand to brand, so stick with one if you find it helpful.

Lifestyle strategies and aids

Outside of medications and natural health products, there are lifestyle strategies or aids that can help reduce your pain. Here are a few to consider:

• Cold or warm compresses: These products can soothe the affected area, providing you with that much-needed relief. Consider a heating pad for your back pain or a cold pack for your migraines.^7,8
• Splints and braces: These protective aids help to keep your joints positioned correctly to improve their function and reduce pain.⁹ They can be particularly helpful for affected knees with osteoarthritis.⁹
• Exercise: While it’s best to avoid exercising right after an injury, physical activity can reduce chronic pain. A physiotherapist or occupational therapist can suggest safe exercises to strengthen your muscles and joints.⁹ Regular activity may help relieve stress, which often triggers headaches.¹⁰

With all these options at your disposal, don’t let your aches and pains take control of your life. Rexall Pharmacy has a wide variety of over-the-counter pain management options available. Speak with a Rexall™ pharmacist to find the right product for your pain.