15 August 2006

People suffering from ongoing back and arthritis pain stand to benefit from the latest medical research, which confirms that paracetamol has very few side effects and is the most effective medicine for the relief of mild-to-moderate pain.

Affecting around one in five people, persistent pain caused by joint injury and inflammation, is a major issue for sufferers as well as health professional and consumer representative groups.

“New information about the risks of some analgesics and the good safety profile of paracetamol, which is now available in a slower release formulation means that people with persistent pain will benefit from having their pain relief medications reviewed by their doctor” said Associate Professor Milton Cohen, Department of Medicine, St Vincent’s Clinical School in Sydney.

“Some of the newer analgesics have been shown to have harmful reactions in people with stomach and heart problems as well as interactions with other drugs, so professional advice is recommended for safety as well as pain relief” he concluded.

National Prescribing Service Ltd (NPS) promotes Quality Use of Medicines (QUM). QUM is important for both prescribers and consumers. It asks that we all consider a number of things when we are thinking about taking medicines such as considering non drug measures as well as the most suitable medicine in the first place and using your medicine when it is necessary in a safe way.

Finally asking your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and harms of medicines before taking them and seeking information about the medicine from reliable sources is recommended.

More information is available from Medicines Line which provides access to independent, accurate, up-to-date information. Medicines Line can be contacted by telephoning 1300 888 763 between 9am and 6pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) for the cost of a local call (mobile calls may cost more). At other times it is possible to leave a message and a Medicines Line pharmacist will return your call.

Consumer Medicines Information leaflets and more information about QUM for consumers can be found on the NPS website www.nps.org.au

ENDS

National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines. We provide accurate, balanced, evidence-based information and services to help people choose if, when and how to use medicines to improve their health and well-being. We are member-based and work in partnership with health professionals, government, pharmaceutical industry and consumers. NPS is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.