How to choose medicine for cancer pain? Any time a cancer patient experiences pain (either directly caused by the cancer or as a side effect of treatment), it is important to tell your doctor immediately and not to try to push through it. It is easier to control pain in the early stages. Severe pain may take longer to be controlled and require more medications. For most people with cancer, pain medications allow you to sleep better, eat better, and do some of your daily activities, such as work and hobbies. Some medications can be purchased directly through the pharmacy, but others require a prescription to be available. Over-the-counter medications: Acetaminophen: This medication is usually safe, but taking large doses over a long period of time may cause liver or kidney damage, and taking it with alcoholic beverages can also damage the liver. Consult your doctor before taking acetaminophen if you have comorbid related liver disease. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen to name a few. These drugs reduce inflammation and pain, with side effects that may lead to stomach disorders or ulcers, especially for people who drink alcohol or smoke. In the long run, NSAIDs may increase the risk of heart disease or stroke. So before taking painkillers, consult your doctor about your existing medical history and any other medications and treatments you are using. If you have other medical conditions, such as kidney problems, the use of NSAIDs may worsen your kidneys. Prescription medications: For moderate to severe pain, opioid prescription medications may be needed, either alone or in combination with other pain medications, which include weak and strong opioids. Weak opioids, such as codeine. Strong opioids, such as fentanyl, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, hydromorphone and fentanyl. Common side effects include: constipation drowsiness upset stomach, nausea and vomiting If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor, a change in medication or dose may be needed, or a separate medication may be prescribed to relieve side effects, such as an anti-nausea medication. Other prescription medicationsDoctors may prescribe several different medications to relieve cancer pain, often paired with opioids that can help these medications work better or reduce side effects, such as anti-seizure medications, antidepressants, steroids, and more. Forms of pain medications, including: pills, capsules, or liquids: You can take these medications by the oral route, or in the form of an oral spray. Suppositories: medications in pills and capsules are placed in the rectum. Injections: Medications are injected under the skin or around the spine. Skin patches: These adhesive patches release the drug slowly through the skin. Intravenous: The medication is injected directly into a vein by connection and can be adjusted to obtain the dose by an assisted pump. Can it be addictive? Many people are concerned about addiction to pain medications, especially opioids. However, the risk of addiction needs to be weighed against the severity of the pain and its impact on quality of life. Some medications can make you drowsy at first, but the effects usually wear off after a few days. How to use pain medications safely: If you or a family member becomes addicted to pain medications, you need to tell your doctor. Take your regular dose as prescribed, don’t add to it between doses or wait until the pain gets worse before taking pain medication, the best way to get your pain under control is to treat it early. If your medication is not working, consult your doctor. Because with longer use, you may find that your usual dose does not provide the same relief, a higher dose or other medication may be needed. If you are ready to stop taking pain medication, it is recommended that you gradually lower the dose used so that you can gradually adapt.