Nonopioid Pain Management: Treatment Options

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Recommendations for safe pain management

Prioritizing nonopioid pain relief

For many types of pain, opioids are no longer considered first-line treatment. In fact, many acute pain conditions can be managed most effectively with nonopioid medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] and acetaminophen).1 Recommending over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics when acute pain presents can prevent exposure to the risks of opioids and reduce the possibility of reliance on opioids in the future. There are opportunities to reduce exposure to opioids with equally effective monotherapy and combination therapy OTC medications.2

Oral NSAIDs, combination analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen and acetaminophen), and acetaminophen are effective initial treatment approaches for acute pain. They have well-established safety profiles without the same dependence potential as opioids. Medication selection should always be based on minimizing risks for the specific patient.3

Nonopioid therapies are at least as effective as opioids for many common acute pain conditions, including4:

  • Low back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Pain related to musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., sprains, strains, tendonitis, and bursitis)
  • Mild postoperative pain associated with minimal tissue injury (e.g., simple dental extraction)
  • Dental pain
  • Kidney stone pain
  • Headaches including episodic migraine

According to the CDC, clinicians should maximize use of nonopioid pharmacologic (e.g., topical or oral NSAIDs, acetaminophen) and non-pharmacologic (e.g., ice, heat, elevation, rest, immobilization, or exercise) therapies as appropriate for the specific pain condition.4

Pain management tools & resources

Haleon HealthPartner has curated a collection of tools & resources that may be helpful to you and your patients as you consider pain relief options. Access them now!

Nonopioid Pain Management Tools & Resources

Treating different types of pain

  • Musculoskeletal pain (non-low-back pain)

    Anatomical illustration of the leg

    Treating musculoskeletal pain

    Impacting one out of every two Americans, musculoskeletal pain is any pain or discomfort that stems from the body’s joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, and/or structures that support our limbs, neck, and back. The bones and joints in our bodies support our weight as we go about daily activities, and they can develop pain from injury, age, or overuse. This pain can be acute or chronic, sometimes persisting for months or years.

    Explore Musculoskeletal Pain 101: Treatments

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  • Osteoarthritis pain

    Illustration showing osteoarthritis of the knee

    Treating osteoarthritis (OA) pain

    According to the most recent OA treatment guidelines from ACR and OARSI, healthy habits like exercising and losing excess weight are first-line defenses against OA.5,6

    ACR and OARSI guidelines favor NSAIDs like Voltaren and Advil as a first-line treatment of OA pain.5,6 See what the guidelines recommend for treatment of OA pain of the knee, hip, and hand.

    ACR=American College of Rheumatology.NSAIDs=nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.OARSI=Osteoarthritis Research Society International.

    Find out more

  • Dental pain

    Illustration depicting dental pain

    Treating dental pain

    According to the American Dental Association Guidelines:

    Nonopioid analgesics are recommended as first-line therapy vs opioids for common postoperative dental procedures and toothache pain for adolescents, adults, and older adults.7

    NSAIDs alone or NSAIDs in combination with acetaminophen are recommended for 7:

    • Postoperative surgical extractions
    • Postoperative simple tooth extractions
    • Temporary relief of toothache before treatment
    • Temporary relief of toothache post treatment

    Refresh your knowledge on dental pain management!

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    For dental pain, consider Advil DUAL ACTION—an alternative to opioids with comparable efficacy and better tolerability without the risk for addiction.8-9

    Learn more

  • Migraine pain

    Illustration showing blood vessels in the head

    Treating migraines

    Treatment for headaches will vary according to what type of headache you’re treating.

    Primary headaches are caused by overactiviy of pain-sensitive structures in the head. These include cluster headaches, migraines, and tension headaches.10

    Secondary headaches are a symptom of an underlying condition, and may be caused by acute sinusitis, concussion, dehydration, ear infections, or more serious conditions.10,11

    Gain insights about the different types of headaches, as well as non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments.

    Expand your knowledge

    For first-line therapy in the treatment of migraine, Excedrin Migraine is the #1 neurologist-recommended OTC.*

    *Among OTC medicines for migraines. IQVIA 2018.

    Learn more

  • Haleon OTC pain medications

    Photo of the family of Haleon pain-relief products

    Customize a treatment plan for patients

    An effective approach to pain management ultimately involves a shared decision-making process between the clinician and patient. Treatment also largely depends on patients’ individual needs, coexisting conditions, and patient preference. Working together, you can customize a safe pain management plan for your patients—without the risks of opioid medications.

    The Haleon family of OTC pain medications provides a range of products that can offer relief for most acute pain conditions. Get to know the oral and topical pain relief products available to you!

    Review now

Explore pain resources and medications

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Tools & Resources

Discover the breadth of resources—specifically for pain management.

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Advil products

Advil

Advil is tough on pain.

Explore why Advil is the right choice to relieve patients' aches and pains.

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#ListenToPain Tools & Resources

Pain is never just 1 word. Start the conversation for better patient outcomes. See the ListenToPain tools and resources available—only from Haleon.

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Excedrin Migraine

A leader in fast headache and migraine relief for over 50 years.

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Voltaren

Voltaren Arthritis Pain is the first Rx-strength OTC topical NSAID gel.

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Free Samples

Get free samples of clinically proven, safe pain relief products for your patients.

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