Medication is one of the most common methods of treating cancer pain. Doctors may use various combinations and doses of medicine. Ask your health care provider to tell you more about the medicine you are taking, and don’t take any new medicine without first checking with your doctor or nurse. Even aspirin can be a problem for some people who are taking other medicines or having cancer treatment.
NSAIDs relieve mild to moderate pain accompanies by swelling and inflammation. NSAIDs are especially helpful for arthritis and pain resulting from muscle sprains, strains, back and neck injuries or cramps.
Over-the counter NSAIDs include:NSAIDs are associated with a number of side effects. The frequency of side effects varies between the drugs. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, rash, dizziness, headache, and drowsiness. NSAIDs may also cause fluid retention, leading to edema. The most serious side effects are kidney failure, liver failure, ulcers and prolonged bleeding after an injury or surgery.
Alert: On September 30, 2004, Merck & Co, Inc, announced a voluntary withdrawal of the COX-2 inhibitor, rofecoxib (Vioxx), from all market due to its association with an increased rate of cardiovascular events (including heart attacks and strokes) compared to that of placebo. http://www.fda.gov/CDER/Drug/infopage/vioxx/PHA_vioxx.htm
Over-the-counter brands of acetaminophen include:
When taken occasionally and as recommended, acetaminophen is safe. However, if you frequently take more of the drug than recommended, it could possibly lead to liver damage. Alcohol appears to enhance the risk. If you frequently take acetaminophen, make sure your doctor is aware so he or she can monitor for possible side effects.
Since anticonvulsant drugs work on the central nervous system, they ay add to the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down the central nervous system, such as antihistamines, cold medicine, allergy medicine, sleep aids, other medicine for seizures, tranquilizers, some pain relievers, and muscle relaxants. Anyone taking anticonvulsant drugs should check with his or her physician before drinking alcohol or taking any medicines that slow the central nervous system.
Children are likely to have side effects from anticonvulsant drugs, such as behavior changes; tender, bleeding, or swollen gums; enlarged facial features; and excessive hair growth.
Muscle relaxants should generally not be used in patients with a history of urinary retention or glaucoma. If you have urinary retention or glaucoma, please call this to the attention of your physician.
Three types of ointments are available over-the-counter:
Capsaicin. This drug is made from the seeds of hot chili peppers. It works by depleting your nerve cells of a chemical called substance P involved in transmitting pain messages. Capsaicin is most effective for arthritic joints close to your skin surface, such as your fingers, knees and elbows. It may also help relieve pain after shingles, pain from diabetes and chronic pain hear healed surgical scars.
Methyl products. These medications (ArthriCare, Ben-Gay, and Icy Hot) use heat or cold to cover up, or counter the existing pain. Methyl-related products may relieve occasional, mild muscle aches, but they're not effective for most forms of chronic pain.
Aspirin products. Medications such as Aspercreme, Sportscreme and Myoflex contain chemical that's similar to aspirin.
Tearnan, Blake H. 10 Simple Solutions to Chronic Pain. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, 2007.
Stamatos, John M. Pain-buster:A Breakthrough 4-Step Program for Ending Chronic Pain. New York, NY:Henry Holt, 2001.
Cochran, Robert T. Understanding Chronic Pain: A Doctor Talks to His Patients. Franklin, TN:Providence Publishing, 2004.